Fraser Island Dingo Rally 18/5/10

The Rally was awesome, 100 people marching through the streets of Brisbane escorted by two police cars, two on motorbikes and two on push bikes were so helpful, placards waving and voices chanting had quite an effect and people came out of the buildings, some even joined in, others waved and smiled. As we rounded the last corner before entering the grounds of Parliament House the powerful and haunting sounds of the didgeridoo could be heard, it hailed the start of a very successful day. Guest Speakers came from near and far and delivered a great message!

SFID Brisbane rally May 15.
Rally commenced 1030 am with a march around the streets of Brisbane. Led by the president of SFID Mal Kilpatrick holding the banner. Chants were shouted throughout the march which drew great attention from the people on the streets, who came out of their office buildings to watch. Chants included:
Manage Fraser like you oughta
Feed the dingoes, stop the slaughter
Under Bligh, dingoes die
Kevin Rudd, dingoes’ blood
Another species against the wall
Now’s the time to cherish them all
Harmony for K’Gari
Dingoes can’t eat studies Kate
Feed them now or it’s too late
If Australia’s wolf is left to die
Rudd can kiss his job goodbye
Justice for Jen – Now

The marchers culminated in front of parliament house by the haunting sounds of didgeridoo. Sam Catalino didgeridoo player who flew in from Newcastle especially to provide entertainment for the day.

Speakers included the following, some of which flew up especially for the day:
MC Malcom Kilpatrick introduced each speaker.
Traditional Owner Brisbane Elder Alec Davidson Welcome to Country
Butchulla Elder Marie Wilkinson—Traditional Owner Fraser Coast
Dr Eve Fesl OBE - Indigenous Professor, Linguist
Mr Glen Elmes MP – State Shadow Minister for Environment and Sustainability
Mr Ted Sorenson MP –LNP Member for Hervey Bay
Mark Pearson—Executive Director for Animal Liberation Australia - representative World League For the Protection of Animals – FLEW UP FROM VICTORIA ESPECIALLY FOR THE DAY
Dr Allan Wilton - Government Genetics Expert University of NSW – FLEW UP FROM NSW ESPECIALLY FOR THE DAY
Pat O'Brien - President O Australian Wildlife Association
Sue Bloom - Animal Behaviorist (trained animals for the movie babe
Sam Catalano Didgeridoo Player – FLEW UP FROM NEWCASTLE SPECIALLY

Speeches lasted an hour or so, followed by entertainment by Sam, Refreshments provided by Deb Sandy and Jenny Burns
The other side of the story for the protection of dingoes on Fraser Island.I do encourage you to view U-Tube link (Save Fraser Island Dingoes Channel), specifically Save Fraser Island Dingoes, 5 in total which are located in FAVOURITES. http://www.youtube.com/savefraserisdingoes#p/f

Have seen article in Sydney Morning Herald. SMH have printed which was not included in the Courier Mail article(linked below), the statement from UQ spokesman said 52% of the newly tagged dingoes were 6-7 mth old juveniles with an average weight of 10.85kg which we do not dispute and it in fact supports our claims

Common sense says you can't just add this justified data from UQ spokesman to the existing data by DERM which is tagged dingoes from 2001 and yes dingoes can and have lived 10-11 years ( have known of 2 personally) but this is very very few and quite rare, and Fraser Island dingoes are lucky to survive to the age of 2 inder current management and mortality rate is 0-1 from an average litter of 6-8. There are very few MATURE adults and male dingoes who do and can mate in their first year of life are fighting savagely more than normal (which is alarming) for adult females, so the question is do we listen to a species screaming out with desperate measures to reproduce for their survival, existence

We have also received 90 autopsy reports via FOI so that's at least 90 dead since data in 2001.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/protestors-want-more-transparent-data-on-fraser-island-dingo-deaths/story-e6freoof-1225867155553

Extract from SFID Statement

*STARVATION Fraser island dingoes are starving and desperate for food,encouraging more and closer interactions with people. Fraser Island cannot and has never sustained a completely wild population, living solely dependent on the bush for nutrient. DERM/QPWS is trying to force dingoes of the beach which is part of their territories and access to food washed up. If a territory is cleared by cruel management practices, another family group will simply move in.

LONG TERM: Establish a breeding program of the native animals, dingo prey food available that has been impacted upon since the implementation FIDMS (the 'No Feeding Policy' and withdrawal of food sources such as the brumbies, human waste and offal for example) Re-introduce native dingo prey species with constant monitoring on the impact of prey species and their availability

SHORT TERM: Immediate support NOW!. Monitored random 'hidden' food drops away from the public eye and not placed in the view of the dingoes, so not to impact on natural hunting and scavenging skills. In this way we can break the connection that dingoes make with visitors and food.

NO HAND FEEDING from the public..Huge fines need to apply A monitored specific diet reflecting the environmental impact from the dingoes on Fraser Island's native dingo prey species and what it can sustain.

A BALANCE of a wild existence and support is required and is very important to maintain a sustainable genetic population, which history has proven needs our support, the island sanctuary is simply not able to handle the numbers for genetically viable sustainability

SUMMARY: Complete withdrawal of the supplemented food component is not reflective or sustainable to the history of the Fraser Island dingo and has resulted in starvation Food has always been supplemented and is a necessary part of their diet which in 2006 was less than 20% which included plastics etc**

FIDMS has been in force since 2001 and has slowly removed the dingoes access to non-native, human implemented access to food, such as the brumbies, open dumps, human toilet waste and fish offal, resulting in starvation and amassive impact of the dingo prey food available on Fraser Island, and theimbalance of a sensitive eco-system of which the environment could not support such pressure. Not because of claimed inflated high dingo numbers. Fraser Island dingoes have NEVER been truly wild! they were brought ontoisland by the Badtjala and especially since European settlement andindustry. And for genetic sustainability we MUST support them. Fraser Island can not or has ever sustained a viable population surviving totally on their own!

*PERSONAL LIABILITY Personal responsibility and enforce close parental guidance / supervision, criminal charges should apply for negligence

*STOP HAZING (Hazing involves shooting the dingoes with clay pellets, marbles and lead sinkers using a high powered sling shot/shanghai.) This invokes fear and confusion into the dingo for all the wrong reasons, instead of encouraging shyness from humans. The DERM/QPWS strategy is encouraging desperate and opportunistic behaviour in their quest to obtain any sort of food sustenance, electing to face the sling-shot/shanghai

*OPEN AND TRANSPARENT: Our government fails to follow recommendations,dismissing current and past studies carried out by independent scientists and researchers and fail to adhere to their own management strategy For example the DERM/QPWS Fraser Island Dingo Management Strategy states that documented evidence of the animals behaviour (preferably using digital photos) must be used to confirm the allegations before an animal can be destroyed (FIDMS Review 2006 p 37).

REQUESTING also signed statements or video, proof of identification from complainants and witnesses. Clarification and reform of DERM/QPWS Dingo Behaviour Classification A-E.'E' is Dangerous and Aggressive and by definition- unrelenting attack, biting under continued self-defence. Alarming considering recent actions by DERM/QPWS Management now ignore the definition 'E' and have now began to interpret behaviour which has not been exhibited but classified 'E'.... just in case. 'E' classification does result in the animal being destroyed.....! Reform/adherence to the polices of current FIDMS.

FIDMS 2001 employed Dr Laurie Corbett as scientific advisor and revised by DERM/QPWS 2006 waiving some of Corbett's recommendations. Included is a disclaimer removing all responsibility from Dr Corbett for his contribution to FIDMS. Audit was carried out 2009 with Dr Corbett again employed by DERM/QPWS, he has supported the current Fraser Island Dingo Management Strategy FIDMS, again waiving all responsibility

The current agenda by DERM/QPWS affects the future sustainability of dingoes. Their immediate future is bleak and of course insults and disrespects all the dedicated hard work put in by our scientists and conservationists. Have we not learnt from the initial invasion of this beautiful country... do we still persist on destroying the fruits she has to offer, the culture, the people, the flora, the fauna and its breathtaking landscapes and diversity which we all call home.

*CONSEQUENCE OF FRASER ISLAND DINGO MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Research** and observations has shown since the implementation of this strategy came in. -Food removal has impacted on all prey species to the detriment/extinction of some on Fraser Island!. The evidence in the scats collected is clear.

SEASONAL TOURISM and WINTER RECREATIONAL FISHING impacts the diet of dingoes. - Management practices is what is effecting the dingoes behaviour, they are on a heightened sense of alert. - Constant hazing off the beach and causing fragmentation of dingo societies/family groups. (on Fraser Island there is no large prey, sodingoes are predominantly solitary hunters of smaller prey and mostly scavengers of their food.) - Destruction of Alpha, dominant adults and the Beta and Gamma members, results in no guidance to teach the young the ways of a dingo, pups dying as a result of ID tagging, juveniles killed for dominance play, fracturingfamily networks and a cruel death to orphaned puppies. Aggressive culling has caused the demise of strong cohesive dingo societies which was also exacerbated by the electrification of the fences at Eurong and Happy valley which are not effective! (Note: No fence at Orchid beach where alleged dingo attacks have occurred?) - Controlled burns are conducted when pups are still whelping, leaving them trapped in their dens - Genetic breakdown and in-breeding (Badtjala introduced mainland dingoes to the Fraser Island for genetic diversity - CRISIS in-breeding with siblings and in their first year of life.

* ATTACK By definition is relentless and make no mistake there is a huge difference between dominance play amongst juveniles, up to18mths with nips and clothing ripped to a full fledged ATTACK !!! This MUST be clarified. STOP the fear propaganda and media sensationalism DERM/QPWS runs a fear mythology...effecting attitudes and responses from visitors, interactions are positive when they don't believe they are going to be "attacked"

*COMPANIONSHIP The dingo societies close to townships have shown no concern or threat, living harmoniously with their human co-inhabitants, dingoes were companions to the Indigenous people 'Badtjala' and the Forestry Department who also had a worming program for them and the industries that have existed on Fraser Island and of course theresidents/communities Note: **No scat contained the human food component as the primary food source

*TOURISM and DERM/QPWS TRAINING Control self drives and cap the numbers especially during mating and puppy seasons.Responsible 'Tourism Operators' should although not required have all guides qualified in Eco Tourism specific to Fraser Island with a huge module on dingoes (Accredited training packages have been developed and are available)DERM/QPWS staff must be extensively trained and supported by a team of experts not employed by DERM/QPWS. Qualified and experienced (RPL) in respective sciences regarding autopsies/research with independents as part of the team again not employed by DERM/QPWS REFERENCE ( **DINGO DIET AND PREY AVAILABILITY ON FRASER ISLAND 2006. Dafna Camila Angel-E. Biologist-Hons. Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Freely available at the USC Website) which of course is out of date and none of the recommendations were actioned so situation is now much worse.
Joanne McKay
SFID Inc
SAVE FRASER ISLAND DINGOES - FACEBOOK
Publicity Officer

Fraser Island Dingo Rally 3/5/10

Fraser Island Dingo Rally

savefraserislanddingoes@hotmail.com FACEBOOK - ‘SAVE FRASER ISLAND DINGOES’ SAVE FRASER ISLAND DINGOES (SFID) Incorporated, 50 Old Maryborough Road Pialba, HERVEY BAY QLD 4655 Ph: (07) 41241979 Fax: (07) 41243623

Starting at 10 am Saturday 15th May.Gathering at "Emma Miller Place" Roma St, Brisbane at 10 am. Walking at 10.30 am to Parliament House (approx 40 mins). Then 12 pm going to Musgrave Park, Cordelia St, South Brisbane. A bus will be available for a shuttle, or it's a pleasant 20 minute walk over Brisbane River via the footbridge near QUT/Botanical gardens.

At Musgrave Park there will be entertainment and refreshments, musical artists, indigenous dancers, Dingo education and materials, special guests and speakers. A bus will pickup from Hervey Bay, leaving at 5.30 am, and pickup from Maryborough, and then Gympie. For bus bookings and details (must be paid in advance ) contact SFID at the contact details above. *Network Item

Fraser Island Dingoes and RSPCA 2/5/10

The RSPCA says it does not believe feeding stations for dingoes on Fraser Island, off south-east Queensland, are a viable option. Dingo preservation groups and the Queensland Opposition says some dingoes are malnourished and a pup died last week from starvation. The Opposition wants the State Government to set up feeding stations but Sustainability Minister Kate Jones says it is inappropriate because dingoes are wild animals. RSPCA spokeswoman Tracey Jackson says the stations can have several effects. "We know that in past years when dingoes have been fed artificially - and that is not sourcing their food from wildlife on the island - we have had huge population explosions," she said. "Once the numbers or the populations increase, the chances of interaction with humans increases obviously. So there are all sorts of implications for things like feeding stations."

Ms Jackson says wild dogs should be lean and there is no evidence of starvation. The RSPCA says it plays a vital role in the management of dingoes on Fraser Island. She says the RSPCA works with government agencies and they are satisfied the State Government's strategy is working. "Whilst we do work with DERM [the Department of Environment and Resource Management[ and QPWS [Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service] it doesn't mean that we don't have our differences," she said. "But what it does mean is that we have a positive working relationship and that's definitely the best thing for the dingo, especially the dingoes on Fraser Island." *ABC

Our Comments, What a lot of nonsense, these dogs are starving and the Qld RSPCA has turned their back on them. They have never been fed artificially before, the population of dogs has never "exploded", and dingoes are no diferent from any dog.....if they are starving they are skinny, if they are reasonably wellfed...they are not skinny! But while they are starving to death, they have decimated the Island's wildlife.

Fraser Island 2/5/10

We have been sent some links to video footage of the Fraser Island dingoes. It's the best Fraser Island dingo footage we have ever seen, and should be seen by everyone. All dingoes in this footage have since been killed by DERM. All places in this footage were burnt out by DERM. There is nothing but this footage, and the memories of these dingoes left. Please spread the links to all your mailing lists, and place comments. Before it’s too late, and there are no dingoes left. The Queensland Government's Fraser Island Dingo Management Plan is the worst wildlife management blunder ever committed in Queensland....and there have been some bad ones! This footage was taken by Jennifer Parkhurst, who had her house raided by police and DERM rangers early one morning last year. Her photos, documents, computer hard drives were seized and taken, even framed photoes were removed and taken from the wall of her house. The search warrant claimed they were looking for dog food. These are the actions of the Queensland Labor Government, and even Jo Beilke-Peterson, for all the criticism he received, never sank so low as to send a bunch of thugs early one morning to terrorise a woman in her own home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cR1EtbNiNs Dingoes howling, if you've never seen or heard a dingo this is "must-watch" footage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPnIZtgvCaQ Dingoes approaching a beach walker wanting to play.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehX8LwCrWqE A group of dingoes playing. All these dingoes in this footage above have since been killed by the Queensland Government.

May the dingoes Rest In Peace.

Fraser Island Dingoes 2/5/10

An autopsy has revealed a dingo pup that died on Fraser Island, off south-east Queensland, was hit by a car and did not starve. The post-mortem examination report shows the 10-month-old male pup weighed 15 kilograms and was not emaciated. The dingo suffered multiple injuries, including a skull fracture. Queensland Sustainability Minister Kate Jones the autopsy disproves claims by the Opposition Liberal National Party (LNP) that the pup was malnourished. Ms Jones also says the dingo was overweight for its age. "LNP calls to allow humans to feed dingoes and visitors to feed dingoes will only lead to more dingo-human interaction, which will lead to dingo attacks," she said. "Since our dingo management strategy has been in place, no-one has died from dingo attacks on the island." *ABC

Ed Comment; We would have thought that a small dingo hit by a vehicle would have obvious signs of injury.....I guess it depends on who does the autopsy.

Media Release Fraser Island Dingoes 2/5/10

The song ‘Dingoes Don’t Bark’ by Badtjala Wangari was officially launched in Noosa this week, and proudly supported by Glen Elmes, Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, local Noosa MP. The CD is a culmination of 6 months work and totally funded through community-supported programs such as: e-bay auction of an original Jennifer Parkhurst painting (many thanks to the proud purchasers, AW & AO), sales of t-shirts designed and printed by Deb Richards, donations from ‘SFID Inc (Save Fraser Island Dingoes)’, donation of funding for recording studio by GBC, and donation of time by band members. (Left to right in photos: Cathy Tapper – lead singer, Erana Tapper, Pania Tapper, Deb Richards, Robin Wells (songwriter), Jennifer Parkhurst, and foreground Hayden Richards.)The CD will be available for purchase on face book: Save Fraser Island Dingoes; the new website: http://savefraserislanddingoes.x10.mx/Start.html Note that this is new website, and we had trouble accessing it. If so, try http://www.savefraserislanddingoes.x10.mx/Welcome.html

All proceeds go directly towards promoting, funding and assisting independent dingo research on Fraser Island, particularly in the areas of non intrusive observations of family groups, pack social structure, regular census of animals, and regular census of food supply. We are currently recruiting organisations and individuals with the necessary skills and abilities to further this goal. Funds raised from the CD will also assist with education programs where possible to ensure protection and harmonious relationship between dingoes and their environment, which not only includes their natural environment, but also incorporates their inevitable interactions with residents, tour operators, tourists, and other stakeholders on the Island. We encourage and promote open dialogue between the government and all stakeholders to ensure that the dingo maintains its status on the Island as an important and ongoing part of Aboriginal culture and heritage, and remains an integral part of the world heritage listed status of the Island that it enjoyed at the time of the original listing. To contact for interviews or info: Glen Elmes: (07) 5449 8988 Robin Wells: (07) 5474 5045 Debbra Richards: 0448 744 267 Cathy Tapper: 0428 161 622Jennifer Parkhurst: 0428 281 967 m Karin Kilpatrick: (secretary SFID): 0407 842 988 If you have the time, please also visit our petition and sign it with your comment: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/save-our-dingo

PS PLease dont forget the Fraser Island Dingo Rally on May 15th in Brisbane. More details soon!