Keep your stick close, and your children closer

Issued: 13 September 2024

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Always carry a dingo stick. Don’t walk alone. Never run. Secure all food and rubbish. Don’t interact with dingoes under any circumstances.

And most importantly, keep your dingo stick close, and your children closer.

The Be dingo-safe! advice from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) is designed to reduce interactions between dingoes and people.

Thousands of people are preparing to visit K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) during the school holidays, and they are advised to familiarise themselves with the rules and follow them closely during their trip.

Ranger in Charge Jenna Tapply said parents and carers can help mitigate the risks of a dingo interaction long before their holiday to K’gari.

“Parents and carers are encouraged to educate their children about the Be dingo-safe! rules before their holiday in the car on the way there,” Ms Tapply said.

“That educational process helps children understand the risks, and why they need to be close at all times.

“Parents and carers need to be aware that most of the negative interactions occur at popular day use areas and on the beach.

“That is why it is important to carry a dingo stick everywhere you go, walk in groups and always keep children at arm’s length.

“Campers, particularly those with young children under the age of 14 could consider camping in one of K’gari’s fourteen fenced camping areas.

“Currently there is capacity at each of the fenced camping areas, and they can provide peace of mind for parents and carers during downtime and at night.”

Ms Tapply said estimates suggest around 300,000 people have visited K’gari this year and there has been seventeen Code E interactions at different locations, with nine involving children.

“Code E incidents are quite rare, but don’t think it won’t happen to you or a member of your family or one of your friends,” she said.

“Your safety is our number one priority, but your safety is your responsibility.

“Everyone on the island is advised to be vigilant at all times, and parents and carers should be continually thinking about the whereabouts of their children.

“Rangers will have a highly visible presence on the island during the holidays and will be supported by the compliance team.

“During the holidays, our Community Engagement team will be providing Be dingo-safe! advice at barge points and at the Sunshine Coast Expo.

“Be safe, enjoy the World-Heritage listed island, create memories that last a lifetime and above all, be dingo safe at all times."

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.

For more information go to K’gari dingoes