Platypus DNA has been detected for the first time at a monitoring site within the Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre (CREEC) in Burpengary, adding a new wildlife record to the nature reserve beside Burpengary Creek.
The City of Moreton Bay announced the discovery on 9 October 2026 as part of its annual platypus monitoring program. Of the 158 sites sampled across the city, 91 returned positive results, including eight locations where platypus DNA had not previously been recorded through the program.
New detection at Burpengary nature reserve
CREEC occupies an 18-hectare nature reserve at 150 Rowley Road, beside Burpengary Creek. Established in 1999, the centre combines environmental education facilities with natural habitats, including open grassland, acacia woodland and an endangered lowland riparian rainforest ecosystem.
The grounds feature approximately 1.5 kilometres of walking tracks, giving visitors access to different parts of the reserve. Environmental displays, guided activities and school programs also introduce visitors to the region’s native wildlife and ecosystems.
Caboolture catchment records repeated platypus presence
The Burpengary finding forms part of a wider monitoring effort that has confirmed platypus DNA in the Caboolture River catchment and four other major catchments across Moreton Bay.
Caboolture is also among the areas where monitoring sites have returned positive results for three consecutive years. Across the city, 50 locations have produced positive samples in each of the past three annual surveys.
Mayor Peter Flannery said the findings indicated that platypuses were widely distributed throughout Moreton Bay. He welcomed the results and highlighted the importance of maintaining waterways capable of supporting the native species.
Other locations recording their first positive results in the latest sampling round included Morayfield, Elimbah, Petrie, Strathpine and Samford Valley.
Water testing identifies elusive native species
Researchers used environmental DNA, or eDNA, to identify platypus genetic material in water samples without capturing or disturbing the animals.
As platypuses move through rivers and creeks, they release biological material that can leave detectable traces in the water. Laboratory testing can reveal their presence even when the animals are not observed directly.
A positive sample confirms the detection of platypus DNA, but does not provide a population count. Likewise, a negative result does not rule out their presence, as genetic material may be too scarce to detect at the time of sampling.
Council reported that camera monitoring and community sightings had confirmed platypuses at several locations where eDNA samples were negative, demonstrating the value of using more than one monitoring method.
Burpengary Creek reserve supports environmental learning
CREEC’s location beside Burpengary Creek places the latest finding within an established environmental education setting. The reserve’s riparian rainforest, woodland and grassland habitats form part of the outdoor learning environment used by visiting school groups and community members.
The centre offers educational programs covering biodiversity, ecosystems and catchments, with students able to explore local habitats through guided and self-directed activities. Its grounds are open to the public during daylight hours, while access to the education centre operates on a separate timetable.
The monitoring results will also support Council’s wider catchment management initiatives, including projects to restore creek-bank vegetation, improve water quality and reduce erosion. Maintaining vegetation along waterways helps protect habitat for platypuses and other native animals.
Residents who spot a platypus can contribute to the monitoring program by submitting their observations through the City of Moreton Bay’s wildlife sightings service.
The complete monitoring results are available through the City of Moreton Bay’s environmental data map.
Published 13-Oct-2026
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