The death of a Canadian backpacker found on a Queensland beach surrounded by dingoes has sparked heated debate about the future of the World Heritage-listed site, with traditional owners calling for a cap on tourism.

Piper James, 19, from Canada, was found dead near the surf at the Maheno Wreck on K’gari about 6am on Monday.

Her cause of death is still under investigation, with police awaiting autopsy results to determine if she drowned, was attacked by dingoes, or died from another cause.

Local community members have raised fears the young woman’s death will spark a culling of the island’s dingo population, with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli not ruling anything out.

Crisafulli said James’ death was “troubling” but that no response would be made until after a cause of death was determined.

“As part of this discussion we have to acknowledge that a young woman in the prime of her life has lost her life on the holiday of a lifetime and that’s really troubling,” he told reporters on Wednesday.

“(Just) 19 years of age on the trip of a lifetime and to not go back to her family is really tough.

“We’re determined to get to the bottom of the cause and then we’ll respond.”

The Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation (BAC), which represents K’gari’s traditional owners, said there was no proof yet that James had been attacked by dingoes.

“The solution is not to blame or punish the animal,” BAC director Christine Royan said, arguing they are working with outdated management plans, and calling for the Premier to visit.

“We’re going to fight anybody that wants to remove the wongari (dingoes) from K’Gari.”

The corporation said they have made repeated calls to cap visitors and introduce periodic island closures.

K’gari reportedly attracts about 500,000 visitors annually, but the BAC believes the real figure is closer to 800,000.

“It should be half that. Everyone should enjoy coming to K’gari but they need to come when there’s not the breeding season,” Royan said.

The Department of Environment, Tourism and Science (DETSI) has been contacted for comment.

James was on the holiday of a lifetime and had been living and working at a backpackers for about six weeks when she was found dead.

Her cause of death is expected to be determined at a post-mortem examination conducted on Wednesday.

“Our hearts are shattered as we share the tragic loss of our beautiful daughter, Piper,” her father Todd James said.

“We will always remember her infectious laugh and her kind spirit. I admired her strength and determination to go after her dreams.”