DINGO FENCES FOR TWO FRASER TOWNSHIPS

The State Government will spend $750,000 to erect dingo-proof fences around two more Fraser Island townships, Premier Anna Bligh announced today.

Ms Bligh said work on the 2m-high fences around Eurong and Happy Valley townships on the World Heritage-listed island would start before the end of the year. The Kingfisher Bay resort already was fenced.

“Dingo-exclusion fencing is a proven method of reducing the risk of attacks,” Ms Bligh said.

"They are too high for a dingo to jump and complement other measures, such as spring-loaded gates for pedestrians and cattle grids on incoming roads.

"Humans and wild dingoes just should not mix. Fences keep the dingoes away from the humans, and the humans away from them."

Ms Bligh said Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers are urging Fraser Island visitors to heed dingo safety information, as the island gears up for school holidays.

“Fraser Island is a fantastic place to spend a family holiday but people need to be careful to follow the dingo safety information that QPWS provides to all visitors and residents,” she said

“Rangers are urging visitors to heed the brochures and signs, and follow the dingo-safe behaviour they outline. Dingoes are very active at this time of year, with young pups learning the ropes, and may behave aggressively towards people.

“Groups with children and young teens are urged to stay at fenced campgrounds at Central Station, Dundubara, Lake Boomanjin, Dilli Village and Waddy Point (top) campgrounds.

“Youngsters should never be left alone and we also recommend adults don't walk by themselves.

"Dingoes are not like domestic dogs. Despite their shy and hungry appearance, these are wild, unpredictable animals. People who ignore the warnings and feed them will not change that fact.

"Reduce the risk of attack by never feeding dingoes, even indirectly. Lock up your food stores and eskies, keep fish and bait secure, and pack away your food scraps and rubbish.

"If you want to watch dingoes, do so quietly from a distance and not feed them or encourage or coax them with food."

Ms Bligh said the State Government invested $9.1 million on Fraser Island last financial year alone, up from $6.2 million in 2002, and totalling almost $40 million over the past five years.

“It is money well spent, because research in 2002 by the Australian Tropical Research Foundation said Island’s tourism value was brought in $116 million per year to the Queensland Economy," she said.

Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara said he backed calls from the tourism industry and the conservation sector for the Commonwealth Government to follow Queensland’s lead and significantly increase its funding for this international conservation and tourism icon.

“As local member for Hervey Bay, I’ve watched the Howard Government’s contribution to Fraser Island slump from a peak of $950,000 in 1997 to just $150,000 last year," he said.

“During the past five years the Howard Government’s investment in Fraser was a mere $400,000

“Even the Commonwealth’s Senate Inquiry into National Parks in Australia recommended the Federal Government increase its contribution to World Heritage management.

“The lack of Commonwealth funding for Fraser is a national disgrace, particularly given the it is actively promoting the World Heritage brand in Japan.

“With Queensland investing $750,000 for the dingo fencing, I challenge Minister Turnbull to step up to the plate and provide funding to areas such as the Kingfisher Hill road which is a main access road for the island.

“By working together we can make Fraser Island an even better place for locals and tourists alike, and I for one will do all I can to make it happen.”

Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office) or 3336 8004 (Minister McNamara’s office)