Dingoes and humans 'too close'

THE terrifying, unprovoked dingo attack on a sleeping tourist will fast-track construction of a fence at K'Gari campgrounds.

Ross Belcher of QPWS. Picture: Valerie Horton

THE terrifying, unprovoked dingo attack on a sleeping tourist will fast-track construction of a fence at K'Gari campgrounds, as a recent spate of incidents suggests dingoes and humans may be too close for comfort.

Department of National Parks regional manager Ross Belcher admitted rangers were aware there was a problem with aggressive dingoes in the area.

Despite initial protests, the camp owners agreed earlier this year to erect a fence.

"There's been a string of two or three other incidents in that area earlier this year," Mr Belcher said.

"The operators were of the belief that people wanted to see dingoes and if they did not the campground might not be as attractive.

"But they have indicated to us that they do want a fence for visitor safety."

Surveying and approvals are already underway, and Mr Belcher said construction would be fast-tracked in the wake of the weekend's attack.

While a fence will go some way to protect the safety of both people and dingoes, Mr Belcher said the real danger lay in human behaviour.

He said the QPWS had been informed over a period of time that the dingoes were being fed but had no hard evidence that was the case.

"The problem is people not behaving the right way with dingoes - leaving food out because they are lazy or not thinking," he said.

"Really, the only people I blame are those who deliberately or inadvertently fed dingoes.

"They've put someone else's life at risk, and the dingoes lives at risk."

The German tourist injured in the attack is understood to have received a safety briefing from his tour operator about dingo behaviour.

Originally published as Dingoes and humans 'too close'