Media Statements

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell today announced the appointment of a successful tenderer to carry out an independent review of the Fraser Island Dingo Management Strategy.

In keeping with its 100 Day election commitments, Minister Powell said the Newman Government had formally awarded the tender to environmental consultancy EcoSure on 26 June.

Minister Powell said the issue of dingo management had been a contentious issue for some years, but renewed the Newman government’s commitment to ensuring independent advice was sort on the matter.

“I know this issue has been an emotive one for many people over the years and I have clearly said that I will always base policy decisions on scientific evidence rather than politics. This will be no exception.”

“EcoSure was chosen after a rigorous and transparent process which started with a publicly advertised ‘Invitation to Offer’ in May.

“A total of six offers were received and evaluated in accordance with criteria set out in the Invitation to Offer. “

Minister Powell said a key factor in selecting EcoSure was the company’s ability to demonstrate innovation and introduce new ideas to solving the dingo issue.

“The company will carry out impartial, scientific evaluation of the strategy and provide recommendations to improve visitor safety while maintaining a sustainable dingo population on Fraser Island,” Minister Powell said.

“As this is an independent review, I am not going to be prescriptive about EcoSure’s findings, but I hope they will outline a positive environmental and economic outcome for Fraser Island and its dingoes.”

The public will be updated as the review progresses, with EcoSure set to release its draft report later this year.

ENDS-

Media contact: Brooke Hargraves 0458 689 043