Dingo fence for Fraser Island campground
New 1800m long fence stops dingoes from entering Cathedral Beach campground on Fraser Island’s east coastDingoes will less bother campers at a popular Fraser Island campground with the completion of a new dingo fence at the Cathedral Beach Resort on the island’s east coast.
Steve Price from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) said the 1800m long fence took three months and $375,000 to complete and will make it “almost impossible for a dingo to access campsites” on the 25 acre facility.
The Cathedral Beach campground is said to be the only privately owned camping ground on World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, and joins other fenced campgrounds at Central Station, Dundubara Waddy Point, K’gari and Dilli Village.
“Cathedral Beach is a popular visitor destination on Fraser Island in the Great Sandy National Park, particularly during school and public holidays,” Price said.
“However, it’s also an area of interaction between visitors and dingoes. Dingoes visit this location and have entered the campground seeking food and damaging visitors’ camping gear.”
Cathedral Beach Resort owner, Cathy Whitaker said she was pleased the fence fitted in so well with the natural environment.
“People coming to our resort want to experience Fraser Island in all its natural beauty, with the peace of mind to do so in safety,” she said.??
However, the QPWS, which manages the island's large dingo population, said campers at fenced facilities should remain vigilant.
“Fraser Island’s dingoes are not domestic pets, they are wild animals and they must always be treated as such,” Price said.
A new dingo information shelter showing videos about dingo behaviour and other wildlife was recently erected at Central Station to educate visitors about potential dangers.
Campers should continue to adopt “dingo-safe behaviour” including walking in groups; never feeding dingoes; locking up food stores and never storing food in tents or boats, and securing all rubbish, fish and bait. ??
“QPWS manages Fraser Island’s dingoes to preserve a sustainable population while giving people a safe and enjoyable island experience,” he said.
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