Brutal campground discovery on Aussie tourist island prompts $26,000 warning
Authorities are renewing their pleas to visitors on K'gari, warning 4WD enthusiasts in particular to remain on alert for dingoes on the beach.
Australian four-wheel drivers have been told to practise caution when cruising on the beach after a dingo was struck and killed on one of the country's most popular tourist islands.
On Wednesday, images emerged of the dingo lying in a pool of its own blood at the Waddy Point beachfront camping area on K'gari, formerly known as Fraser Island. Posting online, a distraught local thought the animal had likely been hit and left to die by an irresponsible driver.
"Probably drunk... and speeding. If I find you, I'll drive over you too," the passionate woman wrote. While responders were critical of the woman's assumption, some warning her not to "jump to conclusions", others said they were "surprised it didn't happen more" due to the amount of 4WD traffic at the spot and the fact the region is home to a large dingo population. It's estimated there are over 200 on the island.
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) spokesperson confirmed the animal was indeed struck by a vehicle. They encouraged anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward, warning steep $26,000 fines are in place if it's deemed the animal could have been spared.
"The Department has been advised that a dingo on K’gari was struck by a car, and wants to remind motorists driving on the beaches there are strict protocols for any accidents involving native wildlife," the spokesperson told Yahoo.
"Please help us to help these animals by reporting the incident to a ranger. Dingos on K’gari are in their native habitat and driving responsibly is essential to give you time to react if you encounter any wildlife, and to prevent accidents."
Ongoing problems with tourists interacting with dingoes on K'gari
Drivers who don’t do the right thing can be fined up to $26,614 if rangers determine an animal could be reasonably avoided, the spokesperson added. DETSI urged people with information on illegal dingo activity on K'gari to contact the department "as quick as possible".
The incident comes after several camping zones on the island were closed due to "increased threatening" dingo behaviour in 2023. Meanwhile, the region's mayor called for a ban on children camping in certain sections of the island earlier this year, after a dozen dingo attacks were reported so far in 2024.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said it's just a matter of time until a child gets seriously injured or worse. He said children under 12 should be banned from camping in unfenced areas for their own safety, after a four-year-old girl was mauled on the island.
"This is getting to the stage where it is frightening, whether the next one will be a fatality or not," Seymour told media. "I just don't think that it is an appropriate place for children to be, given the number of attacks, the changing nature of attacks, and the potential for a fatality here."
Seymour called for families with children under 12 to be restricted to fenced-in zones of the island, writing to the state government in a formal submission to push the proposed rule change.
Those wishing to contact DETSI with regard to dingos on K'gari can do so on 07 4127 9150 or at dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au.
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