AusLeisure

An immediate end to hazing, changes to dingo tagging practices and veterinary checks are just some of the measures being considered by the Queensland Government following the review into management of Fraser Island Dingoes.

Queensland Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection, Andrew Powell, has received EcoSure's 240-page report along with recommendations from the expert review panel led by Professor Hugh Possingham.

Minister Powell explained "the report has delivered a number of recommendations that will form the basis of a new strategy for the management of Fraser Island dingoes.

"Importantly, the report has recommended that objectives of the new strategy ensure dingo welfare and it outlines a number of ways this can be achieved.

"For example it calls for immediate actions to protect dingoes such as putting a stop to all hazing of dingoes and an end to the practice of tagging dingoes that are less than 10 kilogram, both of which have my full support."

"There are also longer-term measures that are canvassed to ensure the ongoing protection of dingoes such as potential visits by vets to check animals on the island or the possibility of establishing a sanctuary, all of these are options I am very keen to investigate."

Minister Powell said a review of the policy was long overdue and the recommendations would form the basis of a new management strategy to be announced in May.

He added "this is a comprehensive review that not only assesses how we manage dingoes, but how we manage visitors to the Island as well.

"This covers everything from social media, data collection and reporting to tag-along tours.

"I certainly believe it has been very beneficial to have an external body review these practices and policies, but it will take some time for us to work through the report's findings.

"There are some recommendations that we can implement in the near future, such as the changes to hazing, but others, such as the recommendation to introduce a new fee for visitors, we will not.

"The task we have now is to take that independent advice and use it to ensure the safety of tourists and the welfare of Fraser Island dingoes."

EcoSure's full report and the expert panel's analysis are both available online at www.ehp.qld.gov.au

18th March 2010 - TOURISTS THREATEN ‘DINGO EXTINCTION’ ON FRASER ISLAND

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