Eurong and Happy Valley dingo deterrent grids to be electrified
Published Saturday, 25 October, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
Dingo deterrent fences on Fraser Island will be complete next week after vehicle grids are electrified.
Minister for Sustainability Andrew McNamara said the grid at Eurong was electrified on Friday and work on electrification at Happy Valley would start on Tuesday.
“Dingo-deterrent fencing at communities such as the Kingfisher Bay Resort has been a successful way of minimising contact between dingoes and humans,” Mr McNamara said.
“I am looking forward to the same success at Eurong and Happy Valley townships.
“The fences will help to ensure that all visitors to Fraser Island have a safe holiday.”
Mr McNamara said that last year the majority of aggressive dingo incidents, often involving young children, occurred in and around the townships of Eurong (including Second Valley) and Happy Valley.
“People still need to follow the EPA’s Be Dingo-Safe! guidelines inside the fenced area, particularly about supervising children.”
Mr McNamara said he was aware of concerns raised by some members of the community.
“I’ve committed to reviewing the effect of the dingo deterrent fencing at Eurong and Happy Valley in 12 months,” he said.
Flyers have been delivered to residents informing them of the grid electrification.
“The EPA has assured me that there are no safety concerns about the electrification.
“Certification from qualified electrical engineers will ensure that the grids are safe.
Before electrification sand will be cleared out of the grids and any dingoes inside the fenceline will be removed by trapping or, if necessary, tranquilising the animal.
“When the power is switched on, dingoes attempting to cross the grid will receive an electric shock.
“The shock is designed to deter and not harm the animals.
Media contact: Wendy Nye 3336 8002
Minister for Sustainability Andrew McNamara said the grid at Eurong was electrified on Friday and work on electrification at Happy Valley would start on Tuesday.
“Dingo-deterrent fencing at communities such as the Kingfisher Bay Resort has been a successful way of minimising contact between dingoes and humans,” Mr McNamara said.
“I am looking forward to the same success at Eurong and Happy Valley townships.
“The fences will help to ensure that all visitors to Fraser Island have a safe holiday.”
Mr McNamara said that last year the majority of aggressive dingo incidents, often involving young children, occurred in and around the townships of Eurong (including Second Valley) and Happy Valley.
“People still need to follow the EPA’s Be Dingo-Safe! guidelines inside the fenced area, particularly about supervising children.”
Mr McNamara said he was aware of concerns raised by some members of the community.
“I’ve committed to reviewing the effect of the dingo deterrent fencing at Eurong and Happy Valley in 12 months,” he said.
Flyers have been delivered to residents informing them of the grid electrification.
“The EPA has assured me that there are no safety concerns about the electrification.
“Certification from qualified electrical engineers will ensure that the grids are safe.
Before electrification sand will be cleared out of the grids and any dingoes inside the fenceline will be removed by trapping or, if necessary, tranquilising the animal.
“When the power is switched on, dingoes attempting to cross the grid will receive an electric shock.
“The shock is designed to deter and not harm the animals.
Media contact: Wendy Nye 3336 8002