New dingo-proof fence at Orchid Beach set to limit interactions

Days after a child was attacked by a dingo on Fraser Island, the department has announced a new fence has been installed around a township in an effort to keep both people and the animals safe.

New fencing has been installed around the Fraser Island (K’gari) township of Orchid Beach to reduce interactions between dingoes, visitors and residents.

The announcement by the Department of Environment and Science comes in the wake of a dingo attack on a five-year-old boy on Sunday near the Ocean Lake Campground.

“The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation worked closely on the design and alignment of the new fencing,” a spokesman said in a statement

The 1.8m-high dingo deterrent fencing will stretch about 7km around the Orchid Beach township.

“There are six access grids, which will have a pedestrian gate and timber road palleting, plus 13 other pedestrian and vehicle gates,” the statement read

“Rangers are currently onsite to safely relocate dingoes and large fauna outside the fence as the grid construction is completed and the gates are closed to secure the fence.”

Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation Director Conway Burns said K’gari is Wongari (dingo) country and visitors should respect their space.

A dingo-proof fence on Fraser Island.

“The Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation works closely with QPWS to ensure that not only visitors remain safe by following a few simple rules but will also protect K’gari’s iconic Wongari,” Mr Conway said.

Dingo activity may increase as construction is completed and the animals are moved outside the fenced area.

Most gates will be closed and locked during the relocation, with some left open to encourage dingoes and other animals to exit voluntarily.

QPWS will be closely monitoring the dingoes and will advise the community when the relocation process is complete and all gates will be closed.

If residents and visitors at Orchid Beach see dingoes or large animals inside they fence, they should keep their distance and call QPWS on 4172 9150.

Relocated dingoes will disperse and find vacant territory nearby, so people are reminded to be vigilant and adhere to dingo-safe protocols.

Rangers will increase patrols around campgrounds and beaches over the school holiday period and carefully monitor dingo activity to help minimise interactions with people.