“Recently one person was attacked while fishing near the camp grounds by an unrestrained dog," he said. "Many of the kangaroos that were attacked are large adults similar in size to adult people. If something is not done it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured. "A large unrestrained dog stalked a group of schoolchildren visiting the island (on Wednesday), at Polkas Point, and unsettled them significantly. "The teachers and tour guides were very concerned about the behaviour of this dog and had to take protective action." The Department of Environment and Science said its records showed only 14 kangaroos have been killed and one injured on North Stradbroke Island this year.

And the department believed the "problem dogs" have been removed. "Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is working with other authorities, and landholders including local council and the QYAC, to address the dog and fox problem on North Stradbroke Island," an environment department spokeswoman said in a statement. "Rangers are continuing a trapping program in the management area, aimed primarily at foxes.

QPWS hasn’t received any further calls about dogs attacking wildlife or humans. "It is highly likely that the inter-agency dog control program, which included trapping, capture and surrender of problem animals, removed the problem dogs that were killing wildlife on Main Beach during January and February." Redland City Council said it was investigated the corporation's complaint that schoolchildren were "harassed" by a roaming domestic dog.

"Council is aware of the incident described in the statement," a council spokeswoman said. "The incident involved a non-aggressive, domesticated animal taking a walk. Council dispatched a contractor on the island within the hour to collect the animal. "Parents in attendance restrained and then released the animal, which was subsequently found by our contractor, walking back toward home. "In terms of providing a dedicated dog control officer on North Stradbroke Island, council provides a level of service appropriate to the number of issues reported. "In the last 12 months, council has only received 20 complaints from the Straddie community about animal-related matters.

"Recent collaborative efforts among Redland City Council, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, and Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation ... (led to the) successful trapping of ... three foxes, four dogs and one feral cat. "No dogs have been impounded since 10 March 2018, which would suggest that there has been some level of improvement in residents restraining their dogs on the island." Mr Costello said QYAC's efforts to develop educational tourism on the island would be in vain if action was not taken to deal with roaming domestic dogs. “Despite all the recent publicity around the issue, there are clearly still dog owners who will not

restrain their animals, which they are required to do by law," he said. "Policing of current laws is also much easier said than done on an island where there is no permanent presence of officers.

"A long-term phase-out of domestic dogs and cats has been raised and a mature discussion around this and other options needs to occur." Redland City Council said there were no plans to change the local laws to ban dogs on the island and instead planned to work with pet owners. "Suggested changes to local laws are only one option within a bigger strategy in helping protect people and wildlife on both the island and the mainland, and council is focused on other actions to deal with the issue," a spokeswoman said in a statement. "The priority for council is to focus on the people who own the domestic animals and educate and build awareness of their obligations and responsibilities in keeping both people and wildlife safe.'' Dog attacks on North Stradbroke Island wildlife can be reported to Redland City Council on 07 3829 8999.