Tourists still failing to secure food from dingoes on Fraser Island

Visitors to Fraser Island have been hammered on the dos and don’ts when it comes to dingoes. But on one essential matter, they still aren’t getting the message.

Tourists are still failing to secure food when they visit Fraser Island despite endless warnings about the danger of attracting dingoes.

Data reveals 17 fines were handed down to visitors who failed to secure their food on the island in 2021.

There were however only three fines for deliberate interactions with dingoes, including one for feeding the animals and two for disturbing them.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Ranger in Charge Linda Behrendorff said it was important for people to be dingo safe when visiting the island.

“The island is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including more than 350 species of birds, macropods, marsupials and the majestic wongari (dingoes),” Ms Behrendorff said.

“By now, the wongari (dingo) pups have emerged from their dens and are becoming juveniles who are learning survival skills and growing bigger. People may see them on the beaches, in the bush and on the tracks.

“Rangers have set up walking stick stations around the island, and I encourage people to take a walking stick with them for protection when they’re our exploring.

“The walking sticks are designed to help people keep their distance from wongari if there is a close interaction.

“While carrying a stick is encouraged people are reminded that wongari should not be hurt or chased. Sticks are a deterrent only and penalties apply to any deliberate harm or harassment.

“People are also advised to camp in fenced areas if possible and never interact with the wongari, which are wild animals and will behave that way.

“This includes observing them from afar, making sure all food and rubbish is secured at camping areas and not enticing them for photos.

“Fines do apply, but I’m pleased to say that only one Penalty Infringement Notice has been issued by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service this year to a person who deliberately fed a dingo.

“This is a sharp decrease on last year and proof that heftier fines and our ongoing ‘Be dingo-safe’ public education campaign about not feeding the wongari is working.”

One person was also fined for bringing a dog on the World-Heritage-listed island last year.

Twenty PINs have been issued for dingo related offences in 2021, and one for bringing an unauthorised domestic dog to the island.