New fences to be built after Fraser Island dingo attacks

After two dingo attacks on children at Orchid Beach on Fraser Island in recent months, the State Government has pledged $2 million to build new fences around the popular tourism destination.

The Bundaberg-based RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter has airlifted a toddler to hospital, after he was attacked by a dingo on Fraser Island, early this morning. It's believed the child, who was holidaying with his family, had been playing outside a house, when neighbors heard a commotion. They reportedly went to investigate and saw a dingo attacking the toddler., They intervened and emergency services were called in. Picture RACQ LifeFlight

After two dingo attacks on children at Orchid Beach on Fraser Island in recent months, the State Government has pledged $2 million to build new fences around the popular tourism destination in an effort to reduce interactions between the animals and visitors.

It comes after multiple warnings from the Department of Environment and Science that the dingo pack at Orchid Beach was becoming increasing habituated.

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said close to seven kilometres of fencing would be installed around the township after concerns were raised on behalf of the community by Hervey Bay MP Adrian Tantari about recent interactions between visitors and the island’s dingoes.

“K’gari is world-famous for its beaches, flora, fauna and longstanding Aboriginal culture and connection – it’s the reason why thousands of Queenslanders flock to the island each year, who in turn support the local economy and environment,” Ms Scanlon said.

“It’s why we invest $10 million each year to manage K’gari’s national parks together with Traditional Owners, and why we’re investing another $4.8 million for new cultural tourism opportunities on the world-heritage listed island.

“While families heading to the island have remained vigilant when travelling near dingo habitat, there have sadly been a number of incidents where people have been injured.

“Fencing will protect visitors, Orchid Beach locals and K’gari’s native dingo population, who our rangers believe no longer show apprehension when approaching humans because they’ve either been deliberately fed or eaten food scraps.”

A dingo on the beach on Fraser Island.

On May 1, a four-year-old boy was bitten on the thigh but did not require medical treatment.

In a previous incident on April 17, a two-year-old boy wandered from a holiday home at Orchid Beach in the early hours of the morning before being set upon by a dingo.

He had to be flown off the island after suffering bites to his head, neck and body.

Ms Scanlon said the department would engage immediately with the community and the Butchulla People’s representatives on the design and alignment of the fence, including the vehicle entry grids and pedestrian gates, with a tender process for construction to follow.

The new fence will add to fencing already installed around 24 campgrounds throughout K’gari, as well as the townships of Eurong, Happy Valley and Kingfisher Bay Resort.

Mr Tantari welcomed the announcement and said K’gari was a key economic generator for the region, sparking $2.6 billion in economic activity each year together with the state’s other national parks.

“We want families to continue to visit K’gari, because it means jobs for our community, our retailers, cafes and businesses,” Mr Tantari said.

“Promoting and protecting our national parks is a key component of our region and state’s economic recovery plan from COVID-19.

“The fencing will make sure visitors can be as safe as possible when visiting the island, but also that our native fauna populations are protected from human interaction.

“It will also act as an important reminder for people be mindful that they’re visiting an area native to dingoes, and to be dingo-safe every time they visit.”

Ms Scanlon said the fencing adds to increased penalties for intentionally feeding or disturbing dingoes, with on-the-spot fines of between $2,135 per offence to a maximum of $10,676.

“The Butchulla people have managed K’gari as its traditional owners for thousands of years, and we’ll work with them to get this right,” Ms Scanlon said.

Originally published as New fences to be built after Fraser Island dingo attacks