State Gov. Fraser Is. Dingo Audit..21/7/09

Dingoes

The State Government will undertake a dingo 'census' and erect dingo fencing with council around the main waste station on Fraser Island, Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Ms Jones said today. Ms Jones told her Budget Estimates hearing an independent audit of the State Government's Fraser Island Dingo Management Strategy was being finalised. She said these new measures would help form the Great Sandy Region package currently being implemented by the Bligh Government. "I'm advised world renowned dingo expert Dr Laurie Corbett is currently in the final stages of his audit," Ms Jones said. "While he's advised that there appears to be a healthy dingo population with enough natural prey, I want to be fully satisfied that dingoes are prevalent on the island. "I've approved a research project so we can be more certain of the numbers.

"While data collected over the past decade suggest the Fraser Island dingo population naturally fluctuates between about 100 and 200 animals, made up of 25 to 30 separate packs, we're due for another 'count'. "The Department of Environment and Resource Management is working with The University of Queensland, Griffith University and Biosecurity Queensland to draw together various techniques so that more accurate figures can be provided. "The survey will provide a better understanding not only of total numbers but also of other factors such as dingo dispersal across the island, the total number of packs, and the age and composition of those packs. "This type of information, together with that provided by Dr Corbett, will allow us to further fine-tune management strategies for a sustainable dingo population, while ensuring public safety." Ms Jones said DERM was always exploring ways to reduce the risk of human-dingo interaction and in the past had fenced major tourist areas and townships. "The waste transfer station at Eurong is a hot spot right now for dingoes seeking easy assess to human food," she said.

"DERM is working with the Fraser Coast Regional Council to erect dingo deterrent fencing around the area. "The State Government is providing $100,000 towards the project. "Visitor education regarding dingo awareness and safety procedures is also a vital part of our Strategy. "DERM is reviewing the communications strategies used to educate visitors and the public about appropriate behaviour near dingoes in line with my request in June to ensure the approach remains at world's best practice standards. "I reiterate that whatever dingo management activities are undertaken, our number one priority is public safety." Ms Jones said Dr Corbett's audit would be based on reports and statistical data from current research, field observations at major visitor locations, discussions with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers and more than 70 public submissions. "Dr Corbett's independent audit is part of a continuing assessment of existing management strategies to ensure they contribute to the conservation of a sustainable wild dingo population on Fraser Island while minimising the risk to humans," she said. "I will release his audit report when it is finalised." *ALP media Release

Ed Comment; Its a bit hard to see how this will be an independent audit, when it's done by the State Government, and by Laurie Corbett, the person responsible for the current Fraser Island Dingo Management Plan.