Be dingo safe on Fraser Island these holidays

National Parks Minister Steve Dickson is calling on Fraser Island visitors and residents to be “dingo safe” during the summer holidays.

He said thousands of campers visit the tourist destination every summer, but warned people against getting too close to the wild animals.  

“Fraser Island attracts thousands of visitors to its beautiful beaches and lakes, stunning sand cliffs and rainforests, but they need to be mindful of dingoes,” Mr Dickson said.

“Be warned, they are wild animals, not domestic pets, and must be treated as such.

“Feeding dingoes is not only illegal, but also encourages the animals to seek food from other people, leading to problems later on.

“This time of year coincides with juvenile dingoes sorting out their place in the pack, learning and practicing dominant behavior through play.

“Young dingoes may try to dominate people, especially children, so extra care should be taken around this time to stay a safe distance away.”

Tips for being dingo safe include:

·        Always stay close (within arm’s reach) of children and small teenagers

·        Walk in groups

·        Never feed dingoes

·        Lock up food stores and iceboxes (even on a boat)

·        Never store food or food containers in tents, and

·        Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.  

Mr Dickson said the Newman Government had increased efforts to promote dingo safety in response to the review into Fraser Island dingo management.

"The Newman Government is determined to protect Fraser Island's dingo population, while continuing to safeguard tourists," he said.

"As part of our commitment to opening up access to our national park land, we have a specific focus on educating people to be dingo safe and to leave dingoes alone, to ensure people stay safe and dingoes continue to flourish in their natural habitat.

“Wildlife rangers have increased patrols and safety signage in and around campgrounds and conduct regular briefings with campers, day tourists, resort management and staff.

“This has helped lessen the number of negative dingo interactions this year.”

High-risk dingo interactions on Fraser Island this year were well down on last year, with 11 interactions recorded compared with 21 in 2012. 

Further information is available at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au.

[ENDS] 13 December 2013

Contact: Michelle Buckworth 0418 433 647