JOINT MEDIA RELEASE WITH THE HON DR STEVEN MILES MP, QUEENSLAND MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Australia and Papua New Guinea’s historic partnership to maintain the value of the Kokoda Track continues today, with geospatial mapping being undertaken to ensure its safety.
The Kokoda Track Authority in Papua New Guinea is working in partnership with officers from the Department of the Environment and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, who are currently walking the Kokoda Track to conduct the mapping exercise.
The team is gathering data about the condition of the Track so the Authority can develop a maintenance and safety program. The data will also be a valuable source of information for conservation planning and for the management of important military heritage sites.
“This project is a wonderful partnership that demonstrates the Australian Government’s commitment to assisting the Kokoda Track Authority with their important role of managing the Track,” Minister Hunt said.
“The technical expertise and operational capabilities held by this group will undoubtedly prove them to be invaluable mentors for the operations managers and rangers of the Kokoda Track Authority.”
Queensland Minister for the Environment Steven Miles praised the team involved and said the project was an important way to assist the Authority in developing its capacity.
“I am thrilled that the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has generously donated their staff time to this project,” Dr Miles said.
“The Initiative continues the friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding between the people of Papua New Guinea and Australia that endured throughout the hard fought Kokoda campaign during World War II where hundreds of Australians died and countless Papuans also lost their lives and their livelihoods.”
The project is funded through the Kokoda Initiative – a partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea established to protect the Kokoda Track region and improve the lives of the people living along the Track.
The Kokoda Track Authority is responsible for keeping the Kokoda Track safe and well-managed. It works with landowners, local communities, tour operators and the PNG government with support from the Australian Government.
(ENDS)