K'gari, Great Sandy National Park Butchulla Country Fraser Coast

Be Dingo-Safe! on K'gari

The best way to protect yourself, fellow visitors and the dingoes (wongari) is by planning ahead to Be Dingo-Safe. Photo credit: Darren Jew © Queensland Government

Critical information for your safety

Critical information for your safety is included in the conditions report—always check it before you visit. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland

Fraser Island Dingo Conservation and Risk Management Strategy

In July 2013, the Queensland Government released the new Dingo Conservation and Risk Management Strategy for Fraser Island (PDF, 7.3MB) .

The new management strategy sets out an overarching framework for the management of Fraser Island's dingoes and their interaction with people by reducing risk, improving communication and education, and providing ongoing research, evaluation and review.

A plan to implement the strategy has been developed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), in collaboration with the former Department of Environment and Heritage Protection and other government agencies.

The government has already ceased hazing of dingoes by QPWS staff on the island pending further research and evaluation and adopted procedures so that dingoes estimated less than approximately 10kg are not targeted for trapping or ear tagging.

In addition, the following actions towards dingo welfare, conservation and human safety
have been addressed since the release of the new strategy:

  • the construction of a dingo-deterrent fence to improve visitor safety at Cathedral Beach campground ($350,000)
  • new dingo signage for key visitor nodes, along island tracks, and at barge departure points to remind people how to keep safe around wild dingoes and to help them better understand dingo ecology and behaviour ($84,000)
  • the development of a research prospectus so that research efforts are directed towards evidence-based decision making ($50,000)
  • expanding the VHF radio network across the island to enhance ranger communications and response times and provide a platform for which to consider the application of other technologies like trap activation sensors
  • increasing ranger on-ground presence during holidays and other peak periods
  • increasing dingo safety information and education to reinforce dingo-safe messages (PDF, 8.5MB) and provide visitors with advice on how to act if they encounter a dingo.
  • Ongoing adaptive management based on scientific research and monitoring.
    Incorporation of new technologies such as remote camera technology, field equipment (tablets), trap alert systems.
  • Continued liaison with welfare authorities such as RSPCA and veterinarians.
  • Ongoing community and other stakeholder liaison.

Read more about the Dingo Conservation and Risk Management Strategy for Fraser Island (PDF, 7.3MB) , or refer to A quick guide to the Fraser Island Dingo Conservation and Risk Management Strategy (PDF, 190.2KB)

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Increased fines for disturbing, feeding dingoes

It is illegal to disturb or feed wongari (dingo), which includes attracting them with food or food waste. On K’gari an increased maximum fine of $28,495 and an on-the-spot fine of $2,763 now apply to those people who break the law.
Be dingo-safe.