Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart said the data from the University of NSW showed the rehomed platypuses in the Royal National Park were thriving.

Ten platypuses were released into the Hacking River earlier this year, signalling the first time in 50 years that the mammal had inhabited the local waterway.

UNSW installed 10 acoustic monitors along the Hacking River and Kangaroo Creek to record the platypuses’ movements.

As of mid-August, all 10 platypuses had been recorded on the acoustic stations, which was a significant milestone from the project.

Quotes attributable to Maryanne Stuart MP, Maryanne Stuart:

“Witnessing the release of the platypuses was a moment I will never forget.

“To have the precious mammals back in the Royal National Park after a 50-year absence is a wonderful thing for the species and our community.

“The efforts of everyone involved in rehoming the platypuses should not be understated or ignored.

“I’d like to particularly commend UNSW for it’s continued work in this project which is certainly showing encouraging signs of success.”

Mrs Stuart said she had been contacted by several members of the community regardig concerns following a recent landslip that occurred on an unused section of a mine located on the edge of the Royal National Park.

Mrs Stuart was advised no immediate harm to the platypuses as a result of the landslip had been identified.