The family of a young Canadian backpacker whose body was found with injuries from dingoes have joined forces with an Indigenous group to voice strong opposition to plans for a major cull of the wild dogs on K'gari, formerly known as Fraser Island. The tragic incident has sparked a heated debate about wildlife management and public safety on the popular tourist destination.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The remains of Piper James, a 19-year-old from Canada, were discovered near the Maheno Shipwreck on K'gari shortly after she went for a morning swim on Monday, January 19. An autopsy revealed that the young woman had physical evidence consistent with drowning, alongside injuries that were consistent with dingo bites. This suggests that she likely drowned but was attacked by dingoes either before or after her death.
Immediate Response from Authorities
In response to the incident, the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science, and Innovation announced on Sunday that a cull of the dingoes involved was already underway. It is understood that six dingoes were humanely euthanised on that day, with plans to destroy an additional ten animals. This operation marks the first significant cull on the island since 2001, when 31 dingoes were euthanised following the death of nine-year-old Clinton Gage in a dingo attack near Waddy Point.
Indigenous Concerns and Visitor Management
Christine Royan, director and secretary of the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation, has expressed deep concern over the cull, stating that the traditional owners of K'gari were not informed about the decision. She argued that the behaviour of the dingoes points to a larger systemic issue of overcrowding on the island due to excessive tourism.
We are going to have a big meeting of our people, Ms Royan told the Courier Mail. BAC directors will be discussing with Queensland Parks and Wildlife certain parts of the island that need to be closed down with regards to visitor management. Over the long weekend, Lake Boorangoora was overpopulated, too many people were there, it was just crowded.
She went further to claim that the cull is evidence that Queensland Parks and Wildlife do not know what they are doing, highlighting a lack of consultation and proper management strategies.
Family's Heartfelt Opposition
Piper James' parents, Todd and Angela, have spoken out against the cull, expressing their disappointment and sorrow. In an online statement, Todd James wrote, This evening, my wife and I received a phone call from the Australian police department in Brisbane, informing us that the attached news media would be released today. Simply sad, heart-wrenching information. We are still waiting for the final autopsy report!
Angela James emphasised that their daughter would be devastated to hear of the dingoes' deaths. Her father and I would like to stress that a cull is the last thing Piper would want, she told the ABC. She loved all animals, no matter what. She wouldn't want anything done to the dingoes; they were there first. She knew that.
Official Statements and Public Safety
The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science, and Innovation extended its sympathies to Ms James' family and assured the public that rangers are closely monitoring the dingoes involved. In a statement, the department said, Following the initial autopsy findings, this pack's involvement in the incident, and observations since, this pack has been deemed an unacceptable public safety risk. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Rangers are currently implementing actions accordingly. There is no public safety risk during this process. Dingoes involved in Monday's incident will be humanely euthanised.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell described the decision as a tough one but necessary in the public interest. This tragedy has deeply affected Queenslanders and touched the hearts of people around the world, Mr Powell said. I have been kept briefed by my Department throughout this incident. The Department has made the decision that all dingoes involved in the incident will be removed and humanely euthanised. K'gari Fraser Island remains open, and we are supporting our tourism operators as they continue to showcase the Fraser Coast as an incredible place to visit.
Community Support and Fundraising
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe fundraiser has been launched to help repatriate Piper James' body to Canada, reflecting the widespread impact of her death on both local and international communities. The incident continues to raise important questions about balancing wildlife conservation, indigenous rights, and tourist safety on one of Australia's most iconic islands.
