The Queensland government issued a warning that dingo activity would likely increase just two weeks before a five-year-old boy was mauled on K’gari Island.
The young boy had been visiting Ocean Lake campground on the island – formerly known as Fraser Island – when he was approached by the dingo on Sunday afternoon.
He was flown to Hervey Bay Hospital after suffering multiple bites to his to his head, arm and back.
Just days earlier, a new seven-kilometre fence that wraps around the nearby Orchid Beach township was completed, in an attempt to reduce persistent violent dingo attacks on the island.
A five-year-old boy was attacked by a dingo at Ocean Lake Campground, about 7km from where a new dingo fence was competed at Orchid Beach. Picture: Google Maps
The new fence was built less than 10 kilometres away from where Sunday’s dingo attack occurred.
Queensland Parks and Forests issued a warning in August that dingo relocation would start from December 3 and run for two weeks, until December 17.
“Wongari (dingo) activity may increase inside and outside the fence, on beaches and in unfenced camping areas,” the warning read.
The boy received wounds to his head, arm and back.
“Rangers will increase patrols and monitor the impact closely.”
The region has been battling with dingo attacks for decades, after nine-year-old Clinton Gage was attacked and killed by two dingoes near Waddy Point in April 2001.
His death lead to the cull of around 200 dingoes on K’gari Island.
Last year, a two-year-old suffered deep puncture wounds in his legs, arms, neck, shoulder and head after an attack on Orchid Beach.
The toddler had wandered outside while his family was asleep and was approached by a dingo.
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