K’GARI (FRASER ISLAND) TOURISM

DINGO (WONGARI) MANAGEMENT

TOURISM

Recognise Fraser Island as K’Gari meaning paradise, is what the Butchulla people have
always called the island, derived from its Dreamtime creation story. It is the same as
Uluru, it hasn't changed the appeal of it, just gave it back its true identity. It is a brilliant
way of joining two cultures and educating others on the true history as has been done at
Uluru.

All committees, groups, departments using the name Fraser Island to start incorporating
K’Gari into name.

1. Butchulla People to have camp fires for tourists including:

1.1 Aboriginal music
1.2 Aboriginal art – resources utilised including body art
1.3 Didgeridoo – history and playing
1.4 Dreamtime
1.5 Bush Tucker
1.6 Indigenous language

2. Butchulla People to run educational bus tours.

3. Employment and Educational opportunities for Indigenous

4. Barge / Ferry to Fraser from Marina

4.1 Either bring a new operator or utilise an existing whale operator with quick
transfers from the Marina to Fraser Island.
4.2 Not having the ferry stops many of our elderly and disabled residents going to
the island.
4.3 Kingfisher to negotiate with Fraser Coast Regional Council to subsidise the quick
transfers.
4.4 More expensive from River Heads and a longer journey which is why so many
go to Rainbow. The office is a tiny transportable building and the carpark is an
argument between boaties, people fishing and tourists. Not to mention the road
in and out and the fact there is not much of an indication from the outside that
it is there.

5. There is an opportunity to provide information on the incoming barges, this is not

utilised. An informative talk by rangers or an Indigenous adviser before reaching the
Island would be an excellent starting point to a positive visitor experience and
reinforce proper behaviour.

©Jannean E Dean Page |1

 K’GARI (FRASER ISLAND) TOURISM
DINGO (WONGARI) MANAGEMENT

6. Random inspections of vehicles to prevent flora and fauna from being removed and
in turn prevent non-indigenous flora and fauna from being taken to the Island.

7. There are no brochures or other educational material provided to visitors at entry

points.

8. Establish an Interpretive / Information Centre and encourage Island residents and

the Indigenous Community to be part of and engage in visitor education.

9. Strategies for managing visitors are imperative if tourism is to remain sustainable.

The impact of tourism can be reduced if measures are taken to better monitor and
control the activities of tourists and their vehicles. Visitation needs to be developed in
a way which allows tourists to experience the Island in a more controlled, more
engaged and environmentally focused manner. Limit the number of visitors.

10. Management over the whole of the annual cycle and especially at peak times such as
Christmas, Easter and School Holidays, needs to be addressed.

11. In an overall threat analysis based on the transcripts of all expert scientific
respondents.
11.1 Recreational activity emerged as the greatest potential threat to the attributes
defining World Heritage character on Fraser Island.
11.2 The second highest threat was the lack of knowledge about the impacts of such
visitor activity on ecological and cultural integrity.
11.3 Third ranked potential threat was infrastructure development.
11.4 This basic finding highlights the priority to effectively manage tourist activity in
the Park as a primary means of sustaining ecological and cultural integrity.'
UNESCO.

©Jannean E Dean Page |2

 K’GARI (FRASER ISLAND) TOURISM
DINGO (WONGARI) MANAGEMENT

DINGO (WONGARI) MANAGEMENT

'Leave the dingoes alone, it's their country.' Aunty Marie Wilkinson. Butchulla Elder.

Save Fraser Island Dingoes Inc. (SFID) is a non-for-profit organisation formed in 2009 in
response to numerous concerns by visitors and the local community regarding the well-
being and treatment of the Fraser Island dingo. SFID has my full support.

SFID has been collecting eye witness and written reports from the public, collating
research papers and through Right to Information, analysing necropsy, incident reports
and tag registers. SFID continues to liaise with scientists and dingo / wildlife experts. This
information has enabled SFID to provide an informed and comprehensive history of the
dingo on Fraser Island, report and make recommendations regarding the current
unsustainable situation that now exists on the Island.

There are serious concerns as to the population of Fraser Island Dingoes and the breeding
pairs. In October 2014 there were sightings of only 2 pups and roughly 7 adults and a
rough estimate between 70 and 90 remaining. On 4th January 2015 I was advised
between 20 to 50 dingoes remain. January 2018 population unknown.
Normally a population is considered to be genetically unsustainable if the effective
(breeding) population is below 200. On K’Gari (Fraser Island) the estimated total
population is unknown due to many of the policies outlined in the Program not being
implemented and research funding and planned projects for the Island have come to a
halt.

In January 2018 it was reported there had been only nine (9) on the western side and
seven (7) sightings; five (5) adult dingoes and two (2) juveniles on the eastern side. A
more accurate population estimate is needed. This can be achieved by the use of strategic
DNA profiling and other non-invasive methods, such as facial recognition technology. This
approach could also potentially identify relatedness between individuals and groups. In
addition, a facial recognition app could be utilised by visitors to the island to assist in the
non-invasive recording of individual dingoes.

If we don’t change what we are doing then this unique population of dingoes is at risk of
extinction. This includes a need for more research into the health and sustainability of the
dingo population.

©Jannean E Dean Page |3

 K’GARI (FRASER ISLAND) TOURISM
DINGO (WONGARI) MANAGEMENT

Considering the importance of K’Gari (Fraser Island) as a World Heritage listed National
Park research must remain a priority and innovative methods of conserving and protecting
the Fraser Island dingo should be constantly explored. Genetic research has identified
K’Gari (Fraser Island) dingoes as being a unique lineage that are at risk of inbreeding.

However, despite the importance of the population, there is little data on the levels and
trends in genetic diversity. Although we have plenty of data on deceased dingoes there is
no birth register, nor is there a death register. The potential consequences of lower levels
of genetic diversity include reduced fitness and concerns for the long-term adaptability of
the population. Therefore, to ensure the conservation of a self-sustaining viable
population, and to assist with management decisions this much needed research should
be considered a priority.

Management of dingo/human behaviour remains a contentious issue with animals still

being destroyed. There remains a large knowledge gap in understanding the causes of
human-dingo conflict on Fraser Island and the factors that may lead to a negative
encounter. We suggest that additional research be undertaken with a focus on eliminating
the continued destruction of animals. Many of the policies outlined in the Program have
not been implemented and that research funding and planned projects for the Island have
come to a halt.

The determination of native title was a testament to the strength of the Butchulla people
and their ongoing connection to the land when Native title rights were granted by the
Federal Court in 2014. The Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC) who provides advice to
the Fraser Island World Heritage Area Management Committee on matters relating to the
protection, conservation, presentation and management of the Fraser Island World
Heritage Area must be just as frustrated with the protection of their dingoes as we all are.

©Jannean E Dean Page |4

 K’GARI (FRASER ISLAND) TOURISM
DINGO (WONGARI) MANAGEMENT

All research has come to a halt. Waiting on the Queensland State Government to make
public the review currently being conducted.

The Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation accused the State Government (21/05/19) of keeping
the traditional owners at arm's length when it comes to dingo management on Fraser
Island.

A statement from the group said it appeared the current education campaign about
Wongari (dingo) safety was simply not working.

"We would like to remind people that our traditional homeland is a pristine wilderness
which has dangerous animals that could harm your loved ones," the statement read.

"Unfortunately, there has already been three incidents this year, which potentially could
have been avoided.

"It is time that people are more accountable for the actions - Wongaris should not be
sacrificed for human error or inciting interaction."

The statement said because the corporation hadn't been extensively involved in the
government's Dingo Conservation and Risk Management Strategy on K'gari and its
associated awareness campaigns, the traditional owners had little control over the
circumstances of dingoes on the island, "particularly, the influence mismanagement has on
their behaviour and the lack of general awareness by some visitors".

©Jannean E Dean Page |5

 K’GARI (FRASER ISLAND) TOURISM
DINGO (WONGARI) MANAGEMENT

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Establish a Wildlife Advisory Committee

1.1 Comprising of local stakeholders, residents, Indigenous community and wildlife
experts.
1.2 The Committee to monitor and advise on all matters relating to Fraser Island's
unique fauna and to act in the best interest of Wildlife Management.
1.3 Members would not be involved in the Tourism Industry. It is important that
Tourism and Wildlife be managed independently of each other to avoid conflict
of interest.
1.4 Current Committees are ineffectual and / or politically motivated.
1.5 A number of groups have been established, including a dingo working group
and the newly formed Butchulla Advisory Board, but the issue still remains as to
the credentials of those on these Committees, so it is still accurate to say that
Committees should: as highlighted above.

2. Lethal Control is not a viable or desirable management strategy. A moratorium

should be implemented to restore stability to dingo packs. This would eliminate much
of the problem behaviour.

3. Dingoes are generally shy and elusive creatures with a quiet and inquisitive
disposition. Intentional feeding / habituation are generally associated with attacks so
as one would expect this has been the focus of investigation. In spite of close
scrutiny and comprehensive research, all have failed to conclusively identify feeding /
habituation as a root cause.

4. Consider legislation protecting government agencies from litigation. This would

assign responsibility for appropriate behaviour from dingoes to humans and require
that visitors be responsible for their personal safety and the safety of their children.
In a practical sense this could be achieved by taking into account the behaviour of
the humans involved in negative dingo-human interactions when deciding what to do
about the dingo or dingoes involved.

5. Presently any negative dingo-human interaction results in an animal being destroyed.

This is inconsistent with the dingo being considered a 'natural resource' and
protected in such areas as World Heritage Listed Fraser Island.

6. A review of current educational literature is needed.

6.1 The overriding focus is instilling fear of the dingoes and to not feed the
dingoes; a more balanced approach is required.
6.2 Whilst feeding must be discouraged and fines apply, the fear campaign has
resulted in visitors expecting a negative encounter and acting in response to
their expectations. This is exhibited by people screaming, throwing objects and
running. This behaviour only encourages confrontation and what would have
been a benign and even positive encounter results in a negative response by
both dingo and human.

©Jannean E Dean Page |6

 K’GARI (FRASER ISLAND) TOURISM
DINGO (WONGARI) MANAGEMENT

6.3 Below is a comparison of a Safety and Information Guide published in Canada

2008? (Note: Bear has been substituted for ‘Dingo’)
You are in Dingo Country, as a National Park visitor, you share this natural area
with dingoes and other wildlife that depend on it for their survival. By
increasing your knowledge of dingo behaviour, you can reduce the likelihood of
an unpleasant encounter and at the same time, help protect the Fraser Island
Dingo population. With your cooperation, dingoes and people can co-exist.
As opposed to Qld Parks and Wildlife fear campaign – “Keep kids close -
dingoes move quickly - Never feed dingoes - if you are attacked, defend
yourself aggressively, you are fighting for your life - strike the dingo with an
object such as a stick, backpack or coat.

7. Feeding Station / Study Zone to be considered according to 'World’s best practice'.

7.1 Feeding only as a supplement at certain times of the year if native food is
scarce or during holiday periods to encourage animals away from visitors.
7.2 No human interference. Observe only.

8. ‘The dingo is unique in being both wildlife and the direct descendant of the world's
first domesticated animal; therefore, there is no inconsistency in seeing the dingo as
wildlife, while accepting the need to afford it human / management in settings like
Fraser Island.' Dr Ernest Healy, Monash University.

©Jannean E Dean Page |7

 K’GARI (FRASER ISLAND) TOURISM
DINGO (WONGARI) MANAGEMENT

9. A full comprehensive re-evaluation of incident reporting is a priority. Dingoes are

being destroyed due to incorrect ranger observations and uneducated visitor
comments. At present 'incidents' are categorised from A to E.
A Is an animal which 'avoids people'.
B Includes curious, loitering at recognised visitor site, not wary, non-aggressive.
C Living under infrastructure, loitering, stealing food / property, soliciting food.
D Dominant / submissive testing, stalking, growling.
E Lunging, biting / nipping

To consider all of the above as requiring an 'incident' report exhibits a fundamental

lack of understanding of normal dingo behaviour.

10. Rangers need to be divided into two categories.

10.1 Those trained to manage wildlife, including a Wildlife Biologist to specifically
care for and monitor the Fraser Island dingo.
10.2 Those trained to manage visitors, interact and educate tourists.
This is 'best' practice in National Parks worldwide. E.g. Yellowstone National
Park in the USA; 'Visitor' rangers need to be seen and heard. Face to face talks
by rangers has been reported to halt dingo incidents. This approach
demonstrated that such contact is one of the most productive ways of changing
visitor behaviour. (Qld. EPA, QPWS, 2001a).
10.3 A live-on policy with rangers stationed at campgrounds and high visitor areas
would make this feasible.

11. Develop an application using Facial Recognition Technology.

11.1 This technology has the potential to eliminate tagging and human
interference of dingoes.
11.2 In the long term, would also be more economical than the capture / tag
method. Tags are permanently damaging the dingoes.
11.3 We already have smart phone based human recognition available. If we had
the funding and interest, Professor Brian Lovell of the University of Qld is an
expert and would love to develop a smart phone app for dingoes.
11.4 The public and tourists could also help with the population monitoring.
11.5 The software is in early stages of development and has been self-funded by
Professor Lovell and his team, considering the potential this technology has,
we all need to urge the government to support and assist.

With all the support, evidence and solutions available, it is worrisome that none of these
have been adopted to date and with continued ignorance we will see the extinction of the
beautiful Fraser Island Dingo in the not too distant future.

This needs immediate and urgent action.

©Jannean E Dean Page |8

 K’GARI (FRASER ISLAND) TOURISM
DINGO (WONGARI) MANAGEMENT

OTHER

1. Establish a Wild Care Centre

1.1 This will provide rescue, rehabilitation and release for orphaned or sick native
animals (350 species of birds, 50 species of terrestrial mammals, 20 species of
amphibian, 70 species of reptiles (incl. 19 kinds of snakes); including any
animal injured during a marking procedure.
1.2 Community and stakeholder support for the establishment of this facility is
paramount including recruitment wildlife carers, professionals & other
volunteers to assist in maintaining.
1.3 This could be manned by Local Wildlife volunteers or suitably qualified rangers.
1.4 Present policy is that injured wildlife is either shot or left to the elements as the
Island is a wilderness area. Not all wildlife is left to die, some are transported
to off island care facilities to die or be treated. It is also a National Park and
World Heritage listed, therefore, the manager, QPWS has a 'duty of care' to
protect the flora and fauna within its boundaries.

2. Increase Fines for littering.

3. A Birth Register to be established and available online.

4. A Death Register to be established and available online.

5. An Interaction Register to be established and available online.

6. An Injury to People Register to be established and available online.

7. Should islands have a safety rating?

SUMMARY

Conservation of the Island's biodiversity, natural heritage and cultural values must be the
main concern of government agencies. Research, education and awareness are essential
to preserve the environment, flora and fauna and to operate a successful and sustainable
Tourism Industry.

An annual review and assessment of strategies is critical to evaluate the problems and
progress of policies implemented. A code of ethics formulated and followed for the
humane treatment of the Fraser Island dingo should be seriously considered.

It is alarming that there has been no 'common sense' approach by the decision makers to
have already achieved a positive outcome. As Albert Einstein said "Keep doing the same
thing over and over again and expecting different results is Insanity."

How Wolves Change Rivers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa5OBhXz-Q

©Jannean E Dean Page |9