Jordan VELA

Papua New Guinea is moving closer to 5G mobile services after NICTA announced today that it is ready to issue licences for 5G using the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum bands.NICTA Board Chairman Brian Riches made the announcement at the authority’s head office, calling it a milestone for PNG’s digital economy.“I am very pleased to announce that today NICTA is ready to issue licenses for 5G mobile services in Papua New Guinea,” Riches said.He said NICTA had completed the required legal, technical and regulatory processes to make the spectrum available to qualified mobile operators.“NICTA has completed all due process on 5G spectrum bands,” Riches said.“NICTA is formally confirming that the 5G spectrum band is now available to be licensed to qualified mobile operators in Papua New Guinea.”The 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands will allow operators to provide both 4G and 5G services.Riches said the decision would support faster speeds, greater network capacity and lower latency for mobile users.“This will allow operators to deliver faster speeds, lower latency, greater reliability and improved customer experiences,” he said.NICTA said the rollout will initially focus on urban areas, where demand for high-speed mobile services is expected to be greatest.Vodafone PNG has committed to providing 5G services across the National Capital District and at least one additional city within 18 months.The company is also expected to reach 20% of PNG’s population within 36 months and 30% within 60 months.Each mobile operator that receives High Demand Spectrum will also be required to extend 4G coverage to 20 new sites under the Universal Access and Service programme.Riches said the spectrum licensing will also generate revenue that NICTA intends to use to support connectivity in underserved and unserved communities.“NICTA intends to use these resources to support initiatives that extend digital connectivity to underserved and unserved communities,” he said.NICTA CEO Polume Lume described the announcement as an important step in the regulator’s digital transformation efforts.“Today’s gathering is basically one of the very important milestones in our journey towards supporting digital transformation,” Lume said.He said NICTA would continue shaping the regulatory environment to support innovation and consumer welfare.Riches said NICTA would continue monitoring operators after licences are issued.“All rollout commitments, coverage obligations and quality-of-service requirements will be independently audited,” he said.“Where operators fail to meet their obligations, enforcement mechanisms and penalties will apply.”According to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association, PNG joins more than 150 countries that had launched or soft-launched 5G networks as of July 2026.

Financial inclusion must go beyond giving people access to financial services, with safety, trust, and the ability to use those services effectively also critical.Speaking at the official opening of the 2026 Alliance for Financial Inclusion Global Policy Forum at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso said Papua New Guinea’s geography and large rural population make conventional approaches to financial inclusion difficult.He said about 80% of the country’s population lives in rural communities spread across mountains, river systems and islands, requiring financial institutions to explore new ways of delivering services.“Our experience has also taught us something more fundamental and that is access is only the beginning. Opening an account does not by itself create financial security.”“Providing financial services does not result in meaningful financial inclusion if people cannot use those services safely or with confidence.”“Bringing more people into the financial system cannot be regarded as progress if the system they enter is unsafe or unworthy of their trust.”DPM Rosso said technology provides an opportunity for countries such as PNG to overcome barriers created by geography, infrastructure and cost, but innovation must be accompanied by safeguards.“Technology gives countries such as ours an opportunity to overcome barriers of geography, infrastructure and cost.”“It allows us to bring financial services to communities where a conventional bank branch may never be viable.”“But with opportunity comes the responsibility. As services become faster and more accessible, financial institutions must ensure that the products they provide are safe, reliable and appropriate.”“Consumers also need to understand the services they are using. Their money and personal information need to be protected.”He stressed that regulators must ensure innovation takes place within a framework that protects consumers and maintains confidence in the financial system.“Yes, innovation is important, but innovation does not remove that responsibility.”He also linked financial inclusion to women’s control over financial resources, saying access to financial services should not leave people more vulnerable to financial abuse.“The same principle applies to financial inclusion for women and their ability to have control over their own financial services.”“In Papua New Guinea, our work through Empower Finance is bringing financial institutions together to examine how financial products and systems can be misused as instruments of financial abuse and what practical safeguards can be built into those services.”“A person is not genuinely financially included if access to financial services makes them more vulnerable. Trust, safety and control over financial resources are part of inclusion too.”Additionally, DPM Rosso highlighted that financial inclusion also has an important role in helping communities and businesses prepare for and recover from economic and climate-related shocks.“Our communities in the Pacific Islands, among those exposed to climate change, financial services cannot prevent a drought, a flood or a severe weather event, but they make an enormous difference to whether people and businesses are able to prepare for them, absorb the shock and recover.”He noted that PNG has included inclusive green finance into its wider financial inclusion agenda, shifting the focus to implementation following discussions at the Global Inclusive Green Finance Conference held earlier in the week.“The challenge now is to make them work. The test is not simply whether a policy exists, the test is whether that policy leads to practical outcomes.”“Can farmers obtain finance to make their livelihoods more resilient? Can a small business invest in technology or equipment that allows it to grow? Can a household withstand an economic or climate shock without falling into deeper hardship? Can financial institutions develop products that respond to real needs while remaining commercially sustainable?”He stated that responsibility for implementation does not rest with regulators alone, but requires cooperation among governments, regulators, financial institutions, development partners, technology providers, and communities.“A resilient and inclusive financial system depends on all of its participants and on each one understanding the responsibility they carry.”He said the AFI network provides an opportunity for policymakers and regulators from emerging and developing economies to share experiences and learn from both successful and unsuccessful reforms.“Peer learning is not about simply taking another country’s solution because it has worked elsewhere.”“It is about understanding what was tried, why it was tried, what worked and what did not, and what might be adapted to our own circumstances.”DPM Rosso said PNG enters the forum with its own experience and challenges while remaining open to lessons from other AFI member countries.“We have experience that we are proud to share. We have challenges that we have yet not resolved. And we have much to learn from the experience of others.”He said the central challenge for financial inclusion is to build systems that people can trust and use safely.“Financial inclusion cannot be meaningful if people are brought into a financial system that they cannot trust, cannot use safely and cannot rely upon when circumstances become difficult.”“An economy cannot be resilient while large parts of its population remain financially excluded.”“Our task is not simply to bring more people into the financial system; it is to build financial systems worthy of their participation.”He reinforced that these systems must be stable, trusted, and capable of allowing people to participate, invest, adapt, and recover.Port Moresby is hosting around 700 senior officials and financial sector leaders from September 1 to 4 for the 2026 AFI Global Policy Forum, a four-day summit dedicated to shaping resilient and inclusive financial systems.

Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Roy Daggy said prosecution would strengthen the commission’s work however, current legislation limits its mandate and powers as a regulator.Therefore, under the ICCC’s new five-year Corporate Plan, the commission aims to expand its regulatory powers through the proposed Competition and Consumer Protection Bill.“As a regulator, we never complete the process. The process we need to make sure those non-compliant cases are prosecuted, but now we currently have our additional bill, Competition and Consumer Protection Bill, which will go into Parliament hopefully by November,” Mr. Daggy said.“If we have this new bill in, we will have more powers, and that can take us down to the road of prosecution.”Mr. Daggy announced that the ICCC will begin public consultation on the proposed bill on September 7, describing it as an important part of the legislative process.He said his target is to have at least five non-compliance cases prosecuted in court annually, with decisions handed down.“For me, being around, I will make sure annually we prosecute at least five cases that go to the court, and we get the decision.”Successful prosecutions would help deter businesses from continuing to breach regulatory requirements.“A lot of people, when we want them, they know, but there is no penalty.”He said some businesses currently pay relatively small penalties and walk away without facing the full prosecution process.“They just pay a penalty which is less, say. They walk away,” Daggy said.In addition, ICCC has amended the Price Regulation Act, setting penalties of up to K10,000 for primary offences and up to K30,000 for repeated non-compliance.“The power is there. Now the next step is to take them to the court to make sure they are prosecuted.”The commission plans to strengthen monitoring of unfair trading activities and develop stronger competition law expertise.Mr. Daggy highlighted that activities such as cartel behaviour and bid rigging need greater scrutiny, particularly in public procurement.“A lot of things are happening without being properly monitored or noticed.”Moreover, the ICCC has partnered with the National Procurement Commission through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to monitor and identify possible bid rigging in public procurement.This partnership will allow the two agencies to monitor public bidding for contracts processed through the NPC.The ICCC will also look at dominant businesses that abuse their market power to crowd out smaller players.The proposed legislation is part of the ICCC’s wider plan to strengthen consumer protection and ensure markets operate fairly and competitively.Mr. Daggy emphasized that the commission’s enforcement decisions would be based on evidence, research, and data rather than pressure.“It will act with its independent power, honesty and fairness, and making sure decisions are based on evidence, not on pressure or coercion,” he concluded.

The ICCC plans to establish a regulatory presence in every province as part of its five-year Corporate Plan to bring consumer protection and market monitoring closer to Papua New Guineans.ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer Roy Daggy said the commission currently operates offices in four regional centres, leaving other provinces without a permanent ICCC presence.“One of the things that we can do in the next five years is to make sure we have ICCC offices present in every town and city in the country,” Daggy said.He said the expansion would allow the commission to handle complaints, gather information and monitor compliance in real time.“This is to make sure our presence is there, and we also make sure enforcement power is effective,” he said.The ICCC has already signed about 18 memorandums of understanding with provincial governments, with four remaining to complete the process.Under the arrangements, ICCC agents will work within provincial governments while being appointed as ICCC agents.Daggy said the agents would represent the commission in the provinces and report monthly to the ICCC’s regional offices.“So, two agents per province that represent us, and they submit monthly reports,” he said.He described the current arrangement as a temporary step towards establishing a permanent ICCC presence across the country.“But in the long run, for me being around for the next five years, is I want to make sure an officer that wears ICCC badge with an ID was employed by ICCC, who is working the town,” Daggy said.He said the long-term vision was to have ICCC employees physically operating in provincial towns and monitoring businesses.“For example, in Wewak, I want to see an ICCC employee walking the streets of Vanimo, checking every store, every service station, and also in Vanimo, in Wewak, in Kimbe. So, for example, that’s how we want to go” he said.Daggy said the provincial presence would strengthen the commission’s ability to respond to complaints and identify compliance issues closer to where they occur.He said the ICCC also wanted to improve its systems so consumers, including people in rural and disadvantaged communities, could more easily raise concerns.“Sometimes the regulatory powers, you know, it’s limited to certain areas, and we don’t hear from them their complaints, what they have, the issues,” Daggy said.He said the commission would work towards an integrated and modernized system capable of capturing complaints and queries from consumers and other stakeholders across the country.The ICCC has also upgraded its website to provide consumers with an online enquiries and complaints platform.Daggy said consumers could submit details and descriptions of complaints through the platform, allowing the commission to receive them in real time.“It’s a real-time turnaround for us to address all the complaints that consumers have,” he said.He said the ICCC would continue developing its information and communications technology systems to bring more of its services online.“We want to do innovations in our ICT, information and database system, so that we want to integrate all our work online,” Daggy said.The expansion of the ICCC’s provincial presence forms part of its wider plan to strengthen consumer protection, improve compliance and ensure markets work for people across Papua New Guinea.

“The architectural profession needs greater recognition in the country’s building and construction industry.”This was the message delivered by Papua New Guinea Institute of Architects President Jordan Seladi while speaking at the recent announcement of the Dulux Design Excellence Gala Awards at Hilton Port Moresby.He said architecture has received less attention than engineering, construction systems, and other technical aspects have taken greater prominence in the country’s development discussions.Mr. Seladi, who is also managing director and senior architect of Seladi-85 Architecture, said stronger collaboration between architects, industry and corporate organizations is needed to keep architecture part of the national development conversation.“I think, over time, engineering and new construction systems have taken the forefront of this development conversation” “For me personally, as a Papua New Guinean and as the president of the Institute of Architects, I find the relevance of actually zeroing in on the creative aspects that are tied to our culture and traditions.”He noted that architecture should reflect PNG’s cultural identity and traditions and maintain a connection with the communities it serves.“Otherwise, you come up with buildings that have no identity and you end up with architecture that doesn’t have any roots, architecture that people cannot align with and architecture that people cannot relate to.”He said architecture has historically influenced how societies develop and how people interact with their surroundings.“Throughout civilization, architecture has been used to help govern the way humanity has progressed.”“Good architecture always promotes good behavior. That is essentially my mindset behind the way things are to be done.”In addition, he said that partnerships with industry and corporate organizations are important to strengthening the profession and increasing public understanding of the role architects play in national development.The institute has partnered with Dulux as the platinum sponsor of its Design Excellence Awards.Mr. Seladi said the partnership provides architects with opportunities to engage with industry and gain knowledge of new construction systems and products.He also acknowledged Hilton Port Moresby for supporting the institute by providing a venue for its activities, which he described as a first for the organization.Furthermore, he stated that stronger relationships with businesses and industry leaders would help the institute increase its visibility and demonstrate the contribution of architects to the country’s development.“We want to be involved with industry leaders!”“We want to be seen as tying organizations and corporate entities that have exemplified excellence in their service and have exemplified quality in the way they have gone about doing the work that they do.”He also called for greater recognition from the government, and the public of the role architects play in shaping the country’s built environment.“I sometimes feel that our government forgets that architects do exist.”In concluding, Mr. Seladi stressed that continued engagement between the architectural profession, government, industry, and corporate organizations will be important as Papua New Guinea undertakes further development.

The Papua New Guinea Correctional Service (CS) has submitted its official El Niño response plans to the government, prioritizing water security, inmate health and the prevention of mass escapes.CS Commissioner Noel Sarei said the service is preparing for potential water shortages and health risks in correctional facilities as the country faces the effects of El Niño.He said securing adequate water supplies for prisoners would be a major priority because inmates cannot leave the prison premises to find water themselves.“My population is quite different. I will not let them go and look for water on their own. I have to go and look for water and give it to them,” Commissioner Sarei stated. “That is the difference between inmates and people outside.”He said the service is also considering arrangements for low-risk and short-term prisoners during the El Niño period, although discussions on the options are continuing.Water shortages will increase health risks in the prison camps, including medical problems and skin diseases.“During El Niño, we might face other issues, such as medical problems and skin diseases.”“Already, in the Highlands, we have problems at two prisons, Bihute Prison Camp in Eastern Highlands province and Barawagi Prison in Simbu province.”Commissioner Sarei further stated that the Correctional Service is monitoring conditions at its facilities and has measures in place to respond to the expected impacts of El Niño.“We are mindful of that, and we have a plan in place to tackle the issues.”The preparedness measures are aimed at maintaining the safety and welfare of inmates and staff while ensuring prisons continue operating during periods of water shortages and other El Niño-related impacts. 

Police Minister Sir John Pundari has urged landowners not to gain profit from communities that may depend on privately owned water sources as Papua New Guinea prepares for possible water shortages during the 2026 to 2027 El Niño period.He said the expected conditions could bring reduced rainfall, prolonged dry periods and water shortages, which places additional pressure on communities across the country.He specifically appealed to landowners with water sources running through their land to support communities that may need access to those sources rather than use the situation for financial gain.“This is the time, right throughout this country, to show the true Melanesian love for each other,” Sir John said.“Watch out for each other, because these are challenging times for the whole country.”Minister Pundari said access to water during a difficult period should be guided by community responsibility and cooperation.The Government’s assessment of the 2026 to 2027 El Niño pattern warns Papua New Guinea could experience severe drought, delayed rainfall and prolonged dry spells.The assessment also identifies possible water rationing and intermittent supplies, power rationing in areas dependent on hydroelectric generation, increased electricity demand, pressure on settlements with limited water access, bush and grass fires, vegetation loss, dust and deteriorating air quality.He stated that the effects could also reach food production and public health if dry conditions persist and urged communities and authorities to prepare before the impacts become severe and warned against using the situation to exploit vulnerable people or commit offences.“No one can use any opportunity induced by El Niño to commit a crime but show love instead.”According to the minister, the police would work with the National Disaster Office, PNG Defence Force, non-governmental organizations, provincial authorities, and other government agencies to maintain public safety during the period.He further stated that this shared cooperation would be particularly important as Papua New Guinea prepares for the 2027 National General Election.Meanwhile, the government has urged communities and agencies to plan ahead for possible disruptions to water, food production, electricity, and other essential services as the country prepares for the potential impacts of El Niño.

Civil Aviation Minister Douglas Tomuriesa has called on Milne Bay communities to take ownership of the newly opened Gurney Airport terminal and protect it as a long-term public asset.Speaking at the official opening of the upgraded airport in Alotau on Friday, August 21st, Tomuriesa said the new terminal represented a major transformation in aviation infrastructure and an opportunity for the province.“Let us take ownership of this terminal. Let us keep this terminal clean. Let us treat staff and passengers with respect. That famous Milne Bay hospitality. Let us protect this asset from vandalism and damage.”Minister Tomuriesa said the terminal was more than a new building, describing it as a gateway to economic opportunities for Milne Bay and Papua New Guinea.He acknowledged the traditional landowners for supporting the project and said the government was committed to ensuring the development continued to benefit local communities.“This is more than a concrete and steel structure. This is a door to opportunity for every person in Milne Bay province and Papua New Guinea as well.”He also called for stronger cooperation with airlines to improve air services to the province.“Let us work with airlines to bring more frequent and affordable flights to Milne Bay.”Furthermore, he thanked the Asian Development Bank, National Airports Corporation, project engineers, contractors, and local workers for their contribution to the airport upgrade.The K76.8 million project was delivered under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project Phase II, with improvements including a new terminal, upgraded runway, apron, taxiway, airfield lighting and other supporting infrastructure.

The Government of Japan has handed over 60 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) to strengthen police mobility and operational capacity across the country, particularly ahead of the 2027 National General Election.The vehicles were formally handed over at the Bomana National Centre of Excellence today, where Japanese Ambassador to Papua New Guinea Hisanobu Mochizuki presented them to Police Commissioner David Manning.The handover was witnessed by Police Minister Sir John Pundari, senior government officials, representatives from the departments of Treasury and National Planning, and senior RPNGC officers.Mochizuki said the vehicles would strengthen the ability of police officers to reach communities and carry out their duties, particularly in areas where transport and logistical challenges affect police operations.He said Japan remains committed to supporting Papua New Guinea through practical cooperation that strengthens public institutions and contributes to national development.The vehicles were provided through Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme under a K12.8 million grant.Pundari welcomed the donation on behalf of the Marape-Rosso Government and the people of Papua New Guinea, describing it as a practical expression of the friendship and partnership between the two countries.“This donation of 60 vehicles is far more than just a fleet announcement. It is an investment in the ability of the state to be present, visible and responsive in the communities that require policing services every day, every night, 24/7,” Pundari said.He said law and order remains one of the Government’s highest priorities, with safer communities supporting economic growth, investor confidence and the delivery of essential services.“For the Marape-Rosso Government, law and order remains one of the highest national priorities. Safer communities are fundamental to economic growth, investor confidence, education, health service delivery, transport, tourism, commerce and the peaceful daily life of our people,” he said.Pundari said the Government was focused on strengthening frontline policing by improving police mobility, supporting provincial commands and ensuring officers had the basic tools required to perform their duties.He said the vehicles would also support wider reforms within the RPNGC, including improving capability, discipline and accountability, while modernizing police operations and strengthening community-focused policing.“A police service cannot meet public expectations if it lacks the means to move. Mobility affects response times, investigations, victim support, traffic enforcement and public order operations. These 60 vehicles will help address a practical gap,” Pundari said.He said the Government expected the vehicles to be properly managed, maintained and used strictly for policing and public safety.“These vehicles have been provided for public purpose and must be maintained, protected and used only to support policing, public safety and service delivery. Every vehicle must be properly managed, assigned and cared for, so that this donation delivers long-term value and is not diminished by misuse, neglect or poor maintenance,” he said.Pundari said police officers continued to work in difficult environments where distance, terrain, road conditions and logistical challenges could make policing more difficult.He said international partnerships, government investment and institutional reforms must work together to build a more mobile, professional, accountable and trusted police force.The donation comes as the RPNGC prepares for the 2027 National General Election, when police will be required to provide security and maintain public order across the country.Pundari thanked the Government and people of Japan for continuing to support Papua New Guinea’s law and order sector, describing the vehicle handover as another demonstration of the long-standing friendship between the two countries.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Correctional Service (CS) has released K4 million to the Enga Provincial Government for work on the long-delayed Mukurumanda Correctional Institution, with the facility expected to open in September.CS Commissioner Noel Sarei presented the cheque to Enga Deputy Provincial Administrator Henry Kapao yesterday, saying the funding would support final preparations for the facility to begin operations.Sarei said K2 million had previously been paid toward the project, with the latest K4 million payment bringing the stated payments to K6 million.“The reason why we are doing this is because we are trying to open the Mukurumanda jail by September. We went up last week and had a meeting with the administrator, and we set a tentative date, which we will announce later. Our date is probably in the second week of September, before Independence,” Sarei said.He said Correctional Service teams were already working at the facility and preparing for the transfer of remandees from Baisu Correctional Institution.“Currently, on the ground, we have our team working on the transfer of remandees from Baisu to Enga. Before the opening, we should have all the prisoners inside the facility. While we are doing the opening, the prisoners will already be inside, and they will also assist us in some other little work in terms of cleaning up and all this,” Sarei said.Sarei said 11 Correctional Service personnel were currently on the ground at Mukurumanda, including four female and seven male officers.A new correctional commander for Enga is expected to arrive this week, while the service is also working on transport arrangements and additional staffing.Sarei said he planned to change the way officers were deployed to provincial facilities by bringing personnel from other provinces to work in Enga.“For my administration and my plan, I will not allow that. I am going to change the whole scope of staffing, meaning that I am going to bring people from other provinces to go and work for the Enga jail, so that we try to look at service delivery and measure all these kinds of things in terms of staffing,” he said.He said the remaining infrastructure work included perimeter fencing, two external towers, and a boom gate.“Fencing is very important so that the presence of the national function of Correctional Service is felt in Enga Province, because we must contribute toward keeping our country safe and keeping our province safe by putting those that are in conflict with the law in their right place,” Sarei said.Kapao welcomed the funding and said the provincial government was prepared to work closely with Correctional Service to ensure Mukurumanda became fully operational.“On behalf of the Enga Provincial Administration and the people of Enga, thank you. Since in the province we have a jail, the provincial administration will be looking forward working very closely with you and your offices and the department, so we can partner to help the project run and operate,” Kapao said.Kapao said the Mukurumanda project had remained incomplete for about 28 years.“The Mukurumanda Correctional Service project is 28 years old, and we haven't opened that yet. We haven't had prisoners there. Maybe when we started the project, I was teaching in high school. Now I am the Deputy Provincial Administrator,” he said.He said the provincial government would use its works program and technical officers to ensure the K4 million was directed toward the intended work.“I can assure you, Commissioner, that we will put the money into our works program. We have technical officers who will ensure that the money is spent where it is supposed to be spent. Most of the work you have noticed that we have done is getting ready for the remandees to come and start the project,” Kapao said.Kapao said the opening was significant for Enga and could help reduce pressure on Baisu Correctional Institution.“Many of our issues that have come about as a result of crowding in Baisu will be solved. We have waited for a long time, and we hope that come Sept. 14, we will go back and organize that program so that we will make it colorful, small but significant. We waited for a long time, and we will open the jail,” he said.The Correctional Service and Enga Provincial Government are expected to continue working together on the remaining preparations before the facility opens.

Prime Minister James Marape said it is time to establish international flights between Brisbane and Alotau as it aligns the tourism potential that Milne Bay Possess as Gurney Airport gets K76 million-kina upgrade. Giving his keynote address at the Official Upgrade Opening ceremony at Gurney Airport on Friday 14th August, he said the Government will work with aviation agencies and the Milne Bay Provincial Government to establish the customs, immigration, screening and safety arrangements required for international operations.“I want this airport to be the first of our tourism airports in our country. I want us to target Alotau and Milne Bay as a tourism hub.”Marape said Brisbane was being considered because of existing cruise ship movements between Australia and the Pacific, creating an opportunity to connect international air and sea tourism with Milne Bay.“We can work towards having a flight from Brisbane at the earliest coming here. You come on a boat, and you want to fly out of Alotau, there's a flight for you to fly out. You want to fly in and jump on a boat here; you can fly in and jump on a boat.”He said the airport upgrade should be supported by local investment in guesthouses, lodges and other tourism businesses so communities can retain more of the economic benefits generated by visitors.Marape also urged customary landowners to register their land and develop tourism businesses rather than sell their land, saying the government would work with the National Development Bank to support such ventures.The prime minister said the K76.8 million project was financed through concessional borrowing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at less than 3% interest, with repayments scheduled to begin in 2028.He said the investment should be viewed as an economic asset capable of generating revenue while providing improved transport infrastructure for Milne Bay.Marape said the airport upgrade was launched on May 24th, 2024, and completed 819 days later.He also called on local leaders and communities to maintain law and order and support the development of Milne Bay as a tourism, agriculture, fisheries, forestry and mining centre.

With the recent completion of the newly 76 million-kina upgraded Gurney airport, this will enable more tourism opportunities for the people of Milne Bay Province. Prime Minister James Marape stated that it is time to establish international flights between Brisbane and Alotau as it aligns the tourism potential that Milne Bay possesses. Giving his keynote address at the Official Upgrade Opening ceremony at Gurney Airport, Prime Minister Marape explained that the National Government will collaborate with aviation agencies and the Milne Bay Provincial Government to establish the customs, immigration, screening, and safety arrangements required for international operations.“I want this airport to be the first of our tourism airports in our country. I want us to target Alotau and Milne Bay as a tourism hub.”The Prime Minister noted that Brisbane selected for consideration due to existing cruise ship movements between Australia and the Pacific, which creates a strategic opportunity to connect international air and sea travel with Milne Bay.“We can work towards having a flight from Brisbane at the earliest coming here. You come on a boat, and you want to fly out of Alotau.”“There is a flight for you to fly out. You want to fly in and jump on a boat here, you can fly in and jump on a boat.”He said the airport upgrade should be supported by local investment in guesthouses, lodges and other tourism businesses, so communities can retain more of the economic benefits generated by visitors.He also urged customary landowners to register their land and develop tourism businesses rather than sell their land, saying the government would work with the National Development Bank to support such ventures.In addition, he stated that the K76.8 million project was financed through concessional borrowing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at less than 3% interest, with repayments scheduled to begin in 2028.He highlighted that this investment should be viewed as an economic asset capable of generating revenue while providing improved transport infrastructure for Milne Bay.Launched on May 24, 2024, the airport upgrade was completed 819 days later. Prime Minister Marape concluded by calling on local leaders and surrounding communities to maintain law and order, ensuring Milne Bay can develop into a thrives as a hub for tourism, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and mining.