Skal backs art project

The Broome branch of international tourism association Skal proudly made the first donation to Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Park’s Kimberley Art Project last week.

Skal Broome vice-president Don Bacon presented park manager Mark Jones with the $1000 cheque, and said it was a worthwhile cause to support and the association wished the project all success.

Mr Jones said with the art project, the park aimed to raise money to tackle environmental issues – the first being the inevitable onslaught of cane toads as they made their way from the east into the west Kimberley.

Mr Jones said vulnerable native animals would be protected during the “first wave” of cane toads, which was usually most damaging to biodiversity, and then later reintroduced to their natural habitats.

He said it was humbling the project was being recognised as something worthwhile, so soon after it was announced.

“We are still in the stages of setting it up, so this is already wonderful feedback,” he said.

The wilderness park, established in 2005 by its namesake, the late conservationist Malcolm Douglas, is currently relocating crocodiles from the old Cable Beach crocodile park to Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Park.

Mr Jones said the relocation was going well, with still 80 of the animals to move.

He said while he and the other staff focused on the park, Mr Douglas’ widow Valerie Douglas was excited to be taking charge of a redevelopment of the Cable Beach property as a tourist precinct and “she can’t keep the smile off her face”.