K’gari may face tourist caps to ‘balance the visitor experience’ and ‘protect its natural and cultural values’ amid a spike in dingo attacks

K’gari, formerly Fraser Island, located north of the Sunshine Coast, is one of the most visited places in the state for its history, wilderness and breathtaking scenery.

However, the destination has remained in the news in recent months after several dingoes bitten tourists, with 12 ‘high-risk interactions’ recorded up to the end of April.

The government announced this week that K’gari would soon see a decline in the number of tourists to the island as Queensland’s population continues to grow.

The local Aboriginal community has raised “significant concerns” about visitor numbers and associated behavior impacting the holiday destination.

“The Butchulla Peoples, including Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) and Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (BNTAC)… recognize the need to strive for a more appropriate balance to protect what makes K’gari special,” a ministry statement said Environment, Science. and Innovation report published on Monday outlined.

Some of the issues raised include stress at sites, especially from overnight visitors; clustering of tourists in certain locations on the island; and environmental and health challenges such as litter and toileting in the bush, leading to a decline in the visitor experience.

The study has suggested the need to reduce overcrowding on campsites, tougher penalties for anti-social behavior and new infrastructure to meet demand.

“While overall capacity restrictions on the islands are not required at this time, overall capacity should be closely monitored,” the report said.

It added that capacity restrictions at some locations on K’gari should be considered as a management measure after other options have been exhausted. However, this must be considered in the “short to medium term” due to the continued pressure on the island.

Weekly permits, instead of the current monthly and annual options, are also another step that could be considered to reduce the estimated 500,000 visitors per year.

Queensland Environment Minister Leanne Linard said more than 337,000 camper nights were spent in 2023, with almost 67,000 vehicle access permits purchased.

She said a management plan will “balance the visitor experience” and “protect the natural and cultural values ​​of the area” on the World Heritage-listed island.

“Protecting our national parks and other protected areas is in the DNA of the Miles Labor Government. K’gari is one of Queensland’s most popular national and international tourist destinations,” she said in a statement on Monday.

“The Miles Government will continue to work with the community and key stakeholders to protect K’gari and the Great Sandy National Park and Recreation Area.”

The report comes amid a spike in dingo attacks on the island.

A 10-year-old boy was bitten on April 23 when he and another child ventured into Awinya Creek to wash off sand when a dingo ran towards the pair.

The boy suffered minor injuries to his legs.

Chief ranger Dr Linda Behrendorff previously told ABC News this could be due to the increase in the number of holidaymakers to K’gari or the behavior of the wildlife.

“(The dingoes) will be triggered by any form of running or movement,” she said.

“Just like when they hunt swamp wallabies… if that prey runs away, they will chase it.”

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Rangers found that 60 percent of visitors who experienced a chase, bite or attack were children under the age of 17.

Authorities have urged parents to keep a close eye on children while on holiday in K’gari.