Most of us think of platypus when we think of Peterson Creek at Yungaburra. It’s definitely a place to go if you want to spot these reclusive creatures, known as ‘Ngunba’ in the local Dulgubarra Yidinji language, whose populations are declining across much of eastern Australia.

The Yungaburra platypus crew lives in burrows on the edge of a creek that Landcare volunteers and the Dulgubarra Yidinji clan have spent years transforming from a weed-choked waterway into a wildlife haven.

Together, they’re now going one step further, working on a new project that’s monitoring both platypus and the quality of water in Peterson Creek, a 9km waterway that passes through farmland and Yungaburra before flowing into Lake Tinaroo and, ultimately, the Barron River.

Volunteers are taking water samples every three weeks near the creek’s rainforest source and at a platypus viewing spot near town. They are also using a motion-activated video camera to better understand platypus activities, and this will work in with a new James Cook University research project using environmental DNA, citizen science records and biological samples to learn more about the platypus population.

Yungaburra Landcare Group’s Dermot Smyth says footage of a female platypus has been a highlight.

“We saw a mother climbing a five-metre embankment dragging wet vegetation with her tail and hind feet so she could line the burrow for youngsters.

“We’ve got nighttime footage of her coming and going throughout breeding season and the camera has also captured other species including tree kangaroos, possums, rakali, snakes, water dragons and birds.

“It’s nice to see to how vegetating even a narrow strip beside the creek has brought in so many native species.”

The water testing part of the project is happening over a wet and dry season. Samples are analysed at the Cairns Regional Council laboratory for everything from bacteria, nutrients and suspended solids to electrical conductivity and pH levels.

“This is the first time the difference in water quality between the creek’s source and further downstream is being measured. Early results show much higher sediment loads downstream.

“We will be sharing the final results along with a draft strategic plan for managing Peterson Creek, taking into account Traditional Owners, landowners, tourists, the council and other stakeholders. With more information we are hoping that we can all do better.”

Yungaburra Landcare Group has a community grant from Landcare Australia for this project.