Update – Serious dingo incident, Hook Point
Issued: 13 Jan 2024
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has identified the dingo that bit a young girl at Hook Point on K’gari yesterday (12 January 2024).
Rangers have spoken to multiple witnesses and have confirmed the identity of the sub-adult male dingo involved.
QPWS has increased patrols in the Hook Point area to enhance education to ensure visitors are behaving responsibly.
In line with the Dingo Conservation and Risk Management Strategy, QPWS in co-management with the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation is investigating immediate options available including a tracking collar to closely monitor the animal’s movements.
QPWS will consider taking additional steps if the dingo displays further dangerous behaviour.
Senior Ranger Linda Behrendorff said rangers and the community needed to work together to keep people safe around dingoes.
“Our thoughts are with the little girl and her family today, who have no doubt been traumatised by this incident,” Ranger Behrendorff said.
“We are taking immediate and long-term action to prevent dingo attacks and other high risk incidents on K’gari, but we need the public’s help to keep everyone, including dingoes, safe.
“The best thing parents can do to keep their children safe around dingoes is to keep them within arm’s reach at all times and walk with a long stick.
“It’s important to stay vigilant at all times, even if you are waiting for the barge to leave the island, as dingoes are known to frequent these areas.”
People are encouraged to Be dingo-safe! and report any negative dingo encounters to a QPWS ranger or to phone 07 4127 9150 or email dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au as soon as possible.
Visitors to K’gari are reminded to Be dingo-safe! at all times:
- Always stay close (within arm’s reach) of children and young teenagers
- Always walk in groups and carry a stick
- Camp in fenced areas where possible
- Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
- 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.
To help boost public safety on K’gari, the Queensland Government is investing an additional $2 million in funding this financial year and an additional $3 million annually ongoing.
QPWS is also expanding proactive Be dingo-safe! messaging to help educate tourists when they purchase camping permits, and at strategic locations on the island.
For more information go to Fraser Island dingoes.