Deadly irukandji jellyfish 'drifting south towards Gold Coast' as sea temperatures rise

Expert warns Queensland’s tourism industry could face future collapse after stinger found at Fraser Island and a boy stung on sunshine coast

Deadly irukandji jellyfish are drifting further south along Queensland’s coastline and could eventually put tourism as far south as the Gold Coast at risk, an expert has warned.

Prof Jamie Seymour has “little doubt” irukandji will keep moving after a stinger was found at Fraser Island on Sunday and a boy was stung on Mooloolaba beach on the sunshine coast 12 months ago.

Related: Suspected irukandji sting at Fraser Island the ninth in six days