A PLATYPUS may delay a major power project on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

The was filmed on a private property at Forest Glen and is now holding up construction on the $70 million Energex scheme.

The protected platypus was videotaped by officers from the Department of Environment and Resource Management in Eudlo Creek this month.

The discovery prompted a heated' meeting between DERM and Energex in which the power company was reminded of its environmental obligations.

The platypus finding is expected to seriously delay the SunCoast Power Project, the largest Energex project on the Sunshine Coast.

It was due to be completed this year but not a sod has been turned and it may not get off the ground for another year if the route has to be changed.