Ongoing Dingo Incidents Raise Alarm on K’gari Island Following Recent Attack

A recent incident on K’gari Island, where a nine-year-old boy was injured by a dingo, has sparked heightened concerns regarding the safety of visitors in the area. The attack occurred near Yidney Rocks, a well-known landmark on the island's eastern beach, shortly before midday on a Friday. Bystanders rushed to the child's aid, which led to the dingo being injured in the process. Emergency services quickly transported the boy to Hervey Bay Hospital, and he is currently reported to be in stable condition.

This unfortunate event is the latest in a troubling series of dingo-related incidents on K’gari. Just last week, an adult fisherman was bitten by a dingo while standing in knee-deep water, and a woman was bitten on the hands the previous month. A review conducted in early April revealed that there were nearly 30 high-risk interactions involving dingoes over a three-month period, indicating an alarming trend.

In response to these incidents, the Department of Environment has issued strong warnings and guidance for visitors to K’gari. Tourists are advised to always keep children within arm’s reach, travel in groups, and carry a stick for protection. Additionally, the department emphasized several safety measures:

• Do not feed dingoes — this can encourage closer interactions and potential aggression.
• Camp in fenced areas — where possible, to limit wildlife encounters.
• Avoid running or jogging — as these activities may trigger a chase response from dingoes.
• Secure food stores — including locking up food and bait, even on boats.
• Properly store rubbish — and ensure that no food containers are left in tents.
• Report any concerning dingo encounters — by contacting the local ranger hotline.

Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell expressed concern for the injured boy and his family, vowing increased ranger patrols across K’gari to ensure visitor safety. Furthermore, Powell indicated that the state government would review the existing dingo management plan, aiming to have an updated strategy ready for 2025.

Despite the island’s natural beauty and wildlife allure, safety is paramount. Visitors are urged to remain vigilant and heed the guidelines provided by the Department of Environment. With a significant number of recent dingo incidents, adopting preventative measures is crucial to avoid further encounters that could result in injury.