Appendix 7
REPORT ON KOKODA TRACK AUTHORITY AWARENESS PATROL
KOKODA TO SOGERI : 26 MAY TO 9 JUNE 2004
Introduction
The Kokoda Track Local-level Government Special Purposes Authority (Kokoda Track
Authority) was proclaimed by His Excellency, the Governor- General of PNG on 11 June,
2003. Its role is for the general purpose of assisting the implementation of the functions of
the Kokoda and Koiari Rural Local-level Governments, specifically for the areas covered
by the KokodaTrack. The Authority shall focus on the significance of the Kokoda Track
due to its part in World War II and promote this legacy for present and future generations
and promote tourism related activities.
On 5 May, 2004 an Interim Management Committee was established and an Interim
Manager appointed to fine tune the Constitution and to establish the initial administration
of the Authority. This Awareness Patrol was mounted to inform the leaders and the
landowner community in the Kokoda Track area on the purpose of the Authority and how
it could benefit them. Input was obtained from the local community and leaders to enable
the Interim Management Committee to prepare the final draft of the Constitution for
presentation to the Koiari and Kokoda LLGs for their approval and submission to the
Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs for presentation to the Minister for
Inter-Government Relations in final form for his execution, and the subsequent swearing
in of the Management Committee.
Copies of the Proclamation, the Fourth Draft of the Constitution and Agenda were
distributed in each village meeting and discussed at each of these meetings of some 1.5
to 3 hours duration. The Awareness Patrol was well received at all villages and cleared
up misconceptions some people had of the Authority and its role, bearing in mind that this
Authority (unlike many others in PNG) proposes to keep its administrative costs to a
minimum and provide village infrastructure development in the communities using
revenue from Trek Permit Fees and funds from donor agencies with self help and some
cash (where appropriate) contribution from the communities.
The Awareness Team
Interim Management Committee Members:
Alfred Amuli
Kokoda LLG rep
(Chairman)
Norris James
Koiari LLG rep
(V/Chairman)
David Soru
Kokoda LLG landowner rep
Garry Imiri
Koiari LLG landowner rep
Alex Rama
Alternate Tour Operator rep (Naduli)
Warren Bartlett
Interim Manager(ex-officio member)
Local Level Government Councillors:
Lance Lovi
Kovelo Ward, Kokoda LLG
Willie Vave
Efogi Ward, Koiari LLG
John Daku
Manari Ward, Koiari LLG
Babea Mado
Vesulogo Ward, LLG
Porters :
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porters from KokodaTrack area
It was proposed that Assistant District Administrator officers Tony Abavu from Sogeri and
Terrence Baurimae from Kokoda accompany the patrol but apologies were tendered due
illness in one family and work commitments for the other.
The Actual Awareness Program
Wed 26 May
Fly to Kokoda on Air PNG. Brief talks with Kokoda leaders and
community members pending meeting with LLG, which was deferred till
Thurs morn. Visited Kokoda memorial sites and museum, police station,
district office and Kokoda Memorial Hospital.
Accom: David Soru Guest House
2
Thu 27 May
Meeting with Kokoda LLG President 8.30 – 9.30 then walked to Kovelo (1
hour). Welcome singsing at Kovelo then awareness meeting (2.5 hours)
and lunch. Walked to Hoi (45 min). Awareness meeting at night with Hoi
elders (1.5 hours)
Accom: Hoi Guest Houses
Fri 28 May
Walked to Isurava in rain (5 hours), meeting with Isurava villagers (1.5
hours), lunch and walked to Isurava Memorial and Alola (3 hours). Held
awareness meeting at night for Alola and Abuari villagers (2 hours).
Accom: Alola Guest Houses.
Sat 29 May
Walked from Alolo to Templeton #2 Crossing (8 hours). Camped adjacent
new iron walled & roofed guest house under construction.
Camp: Templeton 2 Crossing
Sun 30 May
Walked from Templeton 2 to Kagi (8.5 hours). Awareness meeting at
Kagi for Kagi and Boridi wards (2.5 hours).
Accom: Kagi Guest Houses
Mon 31 May
Inspected Kavovo school and projects. Held second meeting with Kagi,
Naduri and Maraba villagers (2 hours). Walked to Efogi 2 (Launumu) and
Efogi 1 (3 hours). Welcome and refreshments. Conducted awareness
meeting (1.5 hours) and adjourned till next morning.
Accom: Efogi Guest Houses
Tue 1 Jun
Resumed Efogi meeting (1.5 hours). Walked from Efogi to Manari (5
hours). Held meeting (1 hour) and adjourned till next morning.
Accom: Manari Guest Houses.
Wed 2 Jun
Resumed Manari meeting (2 hours). Walked to new Naoro Village (5
hours). Conducted meeting in evening (3 hours).
Accom: New Naoro Guest Houses
Thu 3 Jun
Walked Naoro village to Ua’ule Creek, lunch at new Guest House then
walked 1 hour to camp site (9 hours). Reviewed results of awareness
meetings in evening.
Camp: Lower Imita Ridge Campsite
3
Fri 4 Jun
Walked 2 hours to Imita Ridge then Goldie River, Owers Corner (total 5
hours). Stopped at Girinumu Village for brief awareness meeting (1.5
hours), then walked on to Red Shield Army and Vesulogo to meet
transport to Riverside Store arriving at 4.00pm.
Barbecue and accom Riverside Store.
Sat 5 Jun
Porters paid off. Port Moresby visit and porters drop off, then in afternoon
guided tour of Rouna #1 Hydro Scheme Turbine Room and Varirata
National Park.
Accom: Riverside Store.
Sun 6 Jun
Visited Vesulogo Village for awareness meeting in morning (2.5 hours)
and lunch. Returned to Depo for meeting in afternoon with poor
attendance of only 8 representatives (1 hour). Transport of remaining
Awareness Team members to Port Moresby in afternoon.
Wed 9 Jun
Attended meeting of Depo Ward community leaders and villagers for
awareness with approx 50 in attendance (2.5 hours). The Interim
Manager officiated at this meeting with assistance of Councillor David Asi
and Narai Billy.
End of Awareness Patrol
BUSINESS AS PER AGENDA
1. Open Meetings:
All awareness meetings were opened and closed with prayer as
was grace offered with all meals. A brief address was given by the Chairman
introducing the Awareness Team members, and the reason and procedures for
establishing the Kokoda Track Authority. This was further expanded on by the Interim
Manager in Pidgin English and translated into Police Motu and/or Koiari language by
one of the team members.
2. Proclamation and Constitution:
4
a) The Area of Authority per clause 2 of the Constitution was discussed in each
ward meeting and the villages in the wards prioritized for benefits from the
Authority due to their proximity to the track as follows:
Koiari Rural Local-level Government
Ward 5 (DEPO) comprising the villages of Depo (Mageri), Manurinimu,
Ianabewai, Maketawai and Bisitabu; (no changes) and
Ward 6 (VESULOGO) comprising the villages of Vesulogo No.1, Vesulogo No.2,
Morenarovo, Girinumu, Uberi No.1, Uberi No.2, the institutions of Red Shield
Army, Ilolo Plantation, Bisianumu Plantation, and Girinumu Plantation; (note five
new inclusions) and
Ward 15 (BODIRI) comprising firstly the village of Bodinumu and the institution of
Bodinumu Primary School, and secondly the villages of Daoi and Bodiri (Boridi);
(no changes) and
Ward 16 (KAGI) comprising the villages of Kagi, Naduri, Maraba, Myola, and the
institution of Kavovo Primary School; (note new inclusion of Maraba village) and
Ward 17 (EFOGI) comprising firstly the villages of Efogi No.1, Efogi No.2
(Launumu) and Enivilogo and secondly the village of Hagelogo; (no changes)
and
Ward 18 (MANARI) comprising firstly the villages of Manari, Loni, Naoro and
Ioribaiwa, and secondly the villages of Hogelo (Ebologo), Madilogo and
Manalogo. (no changes)
Kokoda Rural Local-level Government
Ward 1 (ASIMBA) comprising the villages of Kanga, Asimba, Karukaru, Sungeina,
Gorovaki and Korogo; (note village priority removed and two extra villages) and
Ward 2 (KOBRLO) comprising firstly the Villages of Kovelo No.1 and Kovelo No.2
(Hoi), and secondly the villages of Savaia and Ebel (Ebei); (no changes) and
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Ward 4 (AMADA) comprising firstly the village of Botue and Manua, and secondly
the villages of Saga and Amada; (change of priorities and one extra village) and
Ward 5 (KOKODA STATION) comprising the villages of Kokoda No.1, Kokoda
No.2, Kokoda No.3 and the institution of the Seventh Day Adventist Church;
(note Kokoda Plantation Portions relocated to new Ward 6) and
Ward 6 (KOAGEA BLOCK) comprising Kokoda Plantation Portions 18, 35, 38, 39,
153, 189, 191, and LA2379, 3071, and Portions 161 – 188; (note new ward
insertion in amended Proclamation and Constitution, Kokoda Plantation being
previously included in Ward 5) and
Ward 7 (KEBARA) comprising firstly the village of Kanandara, and secondly the
villages of Kebara, Pirive, Kamondo and Sengi; (no changes) and
Ward 8 (ABUARI) comprising the villages of Abuari, Hagutava, Kaile and Pelai;
(no changes) and
Ward 9 (ALOLA) comprising the villages of Alola and Isurava; (no changes) and
Ward 10 (WAJU) comprising the villages of Waju, Sisireta, Havaki, Onseta
(Hovea) and Gorari. (no changes)
For Ward 6 (KOAGEA BLOCK) to be inserted in the Proclamation and the
Constitution, there will need to be a resolution of the Kokoda LLG requesting such
amendment and Dept of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs arrange
for the necessary amendment to the Proclamation to be approved by the Minister
for Inter-Government Relations for assent by the Governor-General. KTA
management can assist with the preparations for any such amendment.
b) The Management Committee as per clause 4 of the Constitution was discussed
in each ward meeting and concern was voiced both on the Koiari side and the
Kokoda side on insufficient representation of landowners, particularly in relation to
the Koiari grasslands people from Girinumu to Vesilogo to Depo; and with the
Kokoda people from the Lower Kokoda area.
6
The two Koiari LLG nominees come from Manari and Kagi villages and the two
Kokoda LLG nominees come from Alola and Abuari villages, all being from the
mountain areas and none from the lowlands.
It was explained that in the initial stages of drafting the Proclamation, there were
three reps suggested for each LLG (one representing the LLG and two
representing landowners), but to provide space for nominees from the Tourism
Promotion Authority, National Cultural Commission, Tour Operators and Returned
Services League, it was probably the wrong decision to reduce the number of
landowners representatives on the management committee. In discussions with
the Dept of Provincial and Local Government Affairs, it is possible to increase the
number of persons appointed by each LLG to represent landowners from one to
two. The aggrieved wards were advised to nominate suitable candidates to
represent the lowlands areas and to have their Ward Councillors refer the
nominations to the next meetings of the Koiari and Kokoda LLGs so that the LLGs
can resolve to make a request to the Minister to amend the Proclamation to
increase the landowner reps. KTA management can assist with the preparations
for any such amendments.
There was also discussion on the manner in which the LLG reps were appointed
by the LLGs. The Kokoda LLG had allocated funds for a preliminary awareness
in their area to advise the people of the proposed Kokoda Track Authority and to
obtain nominations for the two positions, which the LLG considered at a full
meeting and determined their appointees.
The Koiari LLG did not have funds available for a similar preliminary awareness in
their area resulting in some disagreement being expressed over the suitability of
their present two representatives, mainly being city based and one with previous
Koiari Development Authority history.
Under Clause 5 of the Constitution, the term of membership of the Management
Committee shall be for a period of five years, but the person or body appointing
the member may review the appointment annually. It was recommended at all
the awareness meetings that the present LLG appointed representatives be given
a chance to prove their capabilities and allow the Authority to develop to serve the
Kokoda Track community; and that such appointments be reviewed in 12 months
time.
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There was also some concern expressed over the nominee for the Tour
Operators in that the person nominated should be actively involved as a trekking
tour operator who physically knew the Kokoda Track, whereas the nominee of
Garry Seddon, President of PNGTIA was a car hire manager, and the other
nominee of Alex Rama was a Trekking Guide from Naduli without the
management experience. Such information will be put to the Tour Operators for
their consideration.
c) The Functions of the Authority per clause 15 of the Constitution were
discussed in each ward meeting and appeared to be understood and well
accepted.
There was some concern expressed that some donor agencies who supply
materials and labour expertise (e.g. Rotary International) may not wish to pay
project funds to KTA, but prefer to utilize the services of KTA as facilitators. There
would appear to be no problem with such arrangement and therefore clause
15.(d) be amended to read as follows:
“15.(d) administer, facilitate, ensure and or oversee the implementation of the
developments and other projects in the Kokoda Track Area: “
It is proposed that the Authority have internet exposure through various websites
such as PNG Tourism Authority, Kokoda Track Foundation and possibly its own
website, the various possibilities to be explored. Such would assist promoting
trekking of the Track and provide access for various KTA registered tour
operators to obtain trekking clients.
It is also proposed that projects which Koiari Special Purpose Authority have
made application for on behalf of Kokoda Track communities, be transferred to
KTA for follow up action on application funding and implementation in conjunction
with donor agencies such as Community Development Scheme, AusAid, Rotary
International, etc.
Other functions under this heading are more clearly defined under the general
agenda items below.
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d) Staff of the Authority per clause 20 of the Constitution was discussed in that the
only employee at the present being the interim manager for the three months
interim period for conduct of the awareness patrol, fine-tuning of the Constitution
and establishment of administrative and accounting systems. Once the Minister
has approved the full Constitution and sworn in the Management Committee, it
was envisaged that there would be a small staff as follows:
*
Manager / Executive Officer at Sogeri for overall administration of the
Authority including duties in Port Moresby, Sogeri, Kokoda and the Track
areas.
*
Liaison Officer / Assistant Manager at Sogeri or Port Moresby office for
administration, issue and checking of Trek Permits, liaison with Tour
Operators, Guides, Track communities by radio and visits, oversighting Track
Memorials and parks, etc.
*
Liaison Officer at Kokoda office for administration, issue and checking of Trek
Permits, liaison with Tour Operators, Guides, Track communities by radio and
visits, oversighting Kokoda Memorial Park and Museum, etc.
*
Liaison Officer / Ranger at Efogi Village to check on Trek Permits of all
trekkers including those originating from Sogeri, Kokoda or Brown River and
checking on maintenance of Kokoda Track and airstrips, etc.
*
Ranger at Ower’s Corner once Sogeri – Ower’s Corner road is upgraded and
an Information Hut is constructed to provide liaison and check Trek Permits
and track maintenance, etc.
It was recommended that the administrative staff and overheads of the Authority
be kept to a minimum to allow maximum funding of development projects for the
Kokoda Track communities.
e) Finance for the Authority per part IV of the Constitution was briefly discussed
with the main income source being estimated through Trek Permit Fees and
Donor Agency grants for infrastructure projects. It was proposed that application
be made to Northern and Central Provincial Governments through the Koiari and
9
Kokoda LLGs for grants for the first year to enable the administration to be
adequately established without using trekking fees.
Two bank accounts have been established with BSP Douglas Street, Port
Moresby branch titled Kokoda Track Authority – Operating A/c, and Trek Permit
Fee A/c. K62,795 has been transferred from PNGTIA representing Trek Permit
fees collected since 2002 and an estimated similar amount is awaited from Niugini
Tours Pty Ltd in Sydney who have been collecting Trek Permit fees and holding
the funds in trust since 2001.
f)
Other Matters in Relation to The Constitution were mainly of standard
administrative nature and not necessary to be discussed. Copies of the Fourth
Draft of the Constitution were left with Ward Councillors for their reference and
discussion if any matters arose.
3. Trek Permit Fees: Trek Permit fees set in 2001 and continuing to date have been
K100.00 per international trekker or non-citizen in PNG whilst citizen trekkers have
been K50.00 and students 50% of the normal rate. There is no charge for residents
of the Kokoda Track area.
At all meetings the trek fee amount was discussed and all recommended that the
Authority, with the approval of the Kokoda and Koiari LLGs, double the rates. With
present currency exchange rates K200 permit fee is AU$90.00, which Australian
trekkers will accept.
Councillor Lance Lovi of Kovelo Ward Kokoda LLG gave a keynote address at all
meetings explaining the reasons for the closure of the Track in 2000. Some
K128,000 in trekking fees has been collected since the re-opening of the Track in
2001 to date by Niugini Tours and PNGTourism Industry Association Inc. If such fees
had been introduced 63 years earlier, there would have been millions of Kina
collected and put towards community infrastructure developments.
All communities voiced approval that all trekking fees held in trust since 2001,
together with ongoing trekking fees, must be collected by Kokoda Track Authority and
their authorized agents. Such funds are to be put towards Community Infrastructure
Development Projects supplemented with funds from donor agencies and
Government contributions.
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To encourage non-citizen residents of PNG to walk the Track, the new Trek Fee of
K100 applies to both citizen and non-citizen trekkers, with 50% discount for students.
No Trek Fee is applicable for Kokoda Track residents. Special Trek Fee rates will be
determined for short treks, including one day treks. The Trek Leader is not charged a
Trek permit Fee, but should obtain a Permit to ensure his accepted passage over the
Track.
With an estimated 1,000 Australian trekkers in one year at K200 per person,
K200,000 will be raised. An estimated 500 PNG resident trekkers in one year will
provide an extra K50,000.
Books of 50 forms Kokoda Track Authority Trek Permits in triplicate are planned to be
printed, with each trekker receiving a permit upon payment of the fee. Recognized
Tour Operators will be issued with a supply of these accountable form books, and
issue the permit when their client pays for their tour. The Tour Operators will be
required to perform a regular reconciliation of their Trek Permit issues and deposit the
funds in the KTA Trek Permit Fee bank account with a copy of the permits being
mailed to KTA for accountability and recording in the Register of Trekkers which will
be maintained by the Authority.
The original Permit Form will allow the trekker to obtain a village rubber stamp
impression at each village as proof of walking the Kokoda Track. Such will provide
the trekker a memento of his travels. On the reverse of the original Permit form will be
“Guidelines for Walking the Kokoda Track”.
4. Registration of Tour Operators with the Authority:
It is recommended that all
Tour Operators, who presently send or plan to send individuals or groups on treks of
the Kokoda Track, register with the Authority. A form will be supplied requesting
details of the Tour Operator organization, contact person, address, phone, fax, email,
website, etc. Such information of Kokoda Track Tour Operators can be utilized in the
Kokoda Track Authority Website which will enable potential trekking clients to contact
smaller Tour Operators. Also required from Tour Operators and others will be details
of any base station or hand held radio transceiver, which utilizes the Kokoda Track
radio communication network.
5. Tour Operators to Advise the Authority of their Trekking Program:
To assist
with the co-ordination of trekking groups over the Kokoda Track and to ensure that
11
Guest House accommodation is not stretched to the limit, Tour Operators will be
requested to supply the Authority with their Trekking Program and number of trekkers
and porters so that guest house bookings can be co-ordinated through the Authority
and Tour Operators advised if there are any over-bookings.
Community leaders advised that villages from Hoi to Depo were devoted Seventh
Day Adventist followers and that trekkers must not interfere with their daily devotion
times of 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm, whilst most would appreciate no trekkers in their villages
on their Sabbath which commences at 5.00pm on Friday night and finishes at 6.00
pm on Saturday night.
Tour Operators may have to review their trekking itineraries to encompass such
requests and have trekkers camp away from the villages on the Sabbath if a rest day
is not programmed. The main thing is that trekking groups show respect towards the
communities’ religious beliefs for the sake of well-being of all parties.
6. Regulation and Improvement of Radio Communications: The present radio
communication network for the Kokoda Track villages was established by the
National Cultural Commission. The Australian High Commission has funded and
installed some 20 solar or mains powered VHF Base Stations and upgraded Mt Fala
Repeater Station. The Pangtel licence for the Repeater and some base and
handheld radios is currently held and paid by National Cultural Commission. It is
planned that the Authority takes over the responsibility of the Radio Network from
NCC, complies with Pangtel licencing requirements and regulates the issue and use
of present and future radios. The Authority would also be responsible for the
maintenance of the Mt Fala Repeater equipment and the Kokoda Track village base
radios. The present radio network is overloaded resulting in the Repeater batteries
cutting out on low voltage during times of heavy use and bad weather. The possible
installation of a Wind Generator at Mt Fala would improve battery charge for
transmission availability if funding for such equipment was available.
All Tour Operators and others will be requested to supply details of any base station
or hand held radio transceiver, which utilizes the Kokoda Track radio communication
network. Information required will be the company, organization or person with the
radio, radio brand and type, model, serial number and call sign details.
12
All base station radios were checked from Kokoda to Sogeri and were operating
except for the Kovelo Base Radio which has not been working since August 2003.
During the next visit to Kovelo, keys for the radio box will be taken and used to open
the radio box, check for faults, fix if possible, otherwise the box be unbolted from the
wall and sent to Port Moresby for radio repair. The Health base station radio at Kagi
Aid Post was not working and was taken by our Team and delivered to Mr Steve
Groves at Dept of Health Radio Workshop at Aopi Centre for repair and return to
Kagi.
7. Guide and Porter Registration with the Authority: The Kokoda Track
communities want first preference employment of guides and porters to be given to
Kokoda Track young and medically fit Koiari men. To assist in achieving this request,
the Authority proposes that all guides and porters register with the Authority. Details
of their name, village, age (date of birth), years or number of treks experience, any
training courses attended, tour operators with whom they have worked, etc. will be
recorded. The Authority (with its database and radio communication with most
villages) should be able to help tour operators obtain their guides and porters.
The recent trend of some guides to have prospective porters register with them for a
fee is to be discouraged as such creates animosity between porters and those who
do not receive jobs.
The Authority will also arrange with PNG Tourism Promotion Authority and other
organizations for training courses to be conducted for porters, guides and aspiring
persons to progress to local Tour Operators. First Aid training for guides can be
organized with St John’s Ambulance Brigade and it is recommended that all Tour
Guides carry a First Aid Kit for treating of basic ailments and injuries of trekkers and
porters.
It was suggested that recognized Kokoda Track guides and porters be graded for
level of competence (Grade 1, 2, 3, etc) and supplied with ID cards. It was also
suggested that there be some guidelines created for pay rates of guides and porters
and that casual rates also be set for village to village porters, where repatriation is by
foot back to the place of engagement instead of aircraft to/from either Kokoda, Port
Moresby or Mount Koiari ports.
8. Action Plans for Wards in conjunction with LLG Five Year Plans: At all
meetings, the community leaders and villagers were requested to provide a list of
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community development projects which the Authority could consider in conjunction
with the Kokoda and Koiari LLGs Five Year Development Plans and seek out donor
funding with counterpart funding from the community and Trekking Fee revenue. It
would appear that a number of smaller projects should be possible through AusAid’s
Community Development Scheme, whilst funding for the bigger projects can be
sought from the National or Provincial Governments and donor Agencies such at
Kokoda Track Foundation, AusAid, Rotary International, foreign embassies, etc.
Refer attachment for Action Plans in respect of each Ward and or village obtained
during the Awareness Patrol.
9. Village Census Book Implementation: The Kokoda Local-level Government (under
the present reforms) has implemented the Census Book as supplied by the
Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs. The LLG employs a Village
Recorder in each Ward to write up the Book and maintain it. For such, the Village
Recorder receives K40 per month. It is proposed that such Village Recorder also be
responsible for stamping all Trek Permits with the Village Stamp, for which the
Authority can budget to top up his monthly allowance in the villages where such
stamp will be used.
Kovelo village Census Book is full and a new book has been requested, which will be
sent to Kokoda for the Kovelo Village Recorder next week.
The Koiari LLG has not implemented such Census Books to date. The Authority can
assist the Koiari LLG introduce the Census Books in the Kokoda Track villages and
arrange in conjunction with Dept of Provincial and Local Government Affairs for the
training of prospective Village Recorders.
Such books will assist with the identification of Koiari prospective guides and porters
as well as provide an accurate census of the village population, which can also be
used for the updating of the future Common Roll for the area.
10. Guest House Availability, Quality and Administration: There are a number of
new Guest Houses, which have been or are currently being constructed, both in and
nearby villages and some in campsite locations. Communities and individuals should
not rush into constructing new guesthouses unless their location away from the
villages has been discussed with Tour Operators and the Authority. There is no
14
objection for the construction of new guest houses to replace old but too many guest
houses in villages could result in low or nil occupancy for some.
The communities were advised that trekkers preferred bush material guesthouses as
such added atmosphere to their trek. Most trekkers were not in favour of iron sheds
or even iron roofs on guesthouses. Some trekkers preferred to have a couple of
nights in tents in the bush campsites instead of guesthouse accommodation.
There are new guesthouses recently completed or under construction at Modulu
Hamlet, Hoi Village, Deniki Battle Camp site, Alolo side of Isurava Memorial,
Templeton #2 Crossing (iron walls & roof), Brigade Hill, New Naoro village (x2) and
Ua’ule Creek. The Isurava Memorial iron walled & roof guesthouse has had its
padbolt and lock removed by a trekking group as the building was locked. A
replacement lock will be supplied to avoid contents of mattresses and pillows being
stolen with the landowner caretaker being the custodian of the key.
Most Guest Houses on the Kokoda Track are privately owned. It was suggested that
Tourism Promotion Authority assist with the provision of Guest House owner/manager
training in the role of guest house keeping, maintenance, book-keeping, etc. It may
be preferable to have one large community guesthouse in the trekking villages.
It was suggested that all guesthouses register with KTA and a registration form will
soon be distributed to owners of all existing guest houses and those under
construction. The Authority can assist with the marketing of guesthouses for long or
short trek visits and co-ordinate the bookings for guesthouses from itineraries
supplied to the Authority by Tour Operators and from small groups or individuals
when they pay their Trek Permit Fee.
It was suggested that Guest House fees be standardized at K20 per person per night
and K5 per guide or porter. Such would provide reasonable income for owners of
new guesthouses and income for maintenance or upgrading of older guesthouses.
Washing facilities at guest houses should be improved where the village has a water
supply with the provision of a shower rose or high level tap in a simple walled area for
privacy of the bathers. There should also be a bench or dry area nearby where
clothes, towels, etc can be placed. In washing areas, including collection of water and
15
washing of plates and dishes, etc, the ground should be dry, stoned or timber decked
and not muddy.
Toilet facilities of the standard pit latrine should be clean and of reasonable size so
that the trekker can stand upright. It is hoped that a simple vented pit latrine used in
National Parks in parts of Australia can be modified for use in Kokoda Track villages
in the future.
11. Maintenance of Kokoda Track: The Kokoda Track was in reasonable condition.
Numerous treefalls and land slips need to be cleared. Temporary track diversions
skirt these areas. In the past the Local Government Councils had a community
workday set aside for maintenance of villages and clearing of village access tracks.
This works only to a limited extent these days.
With Village Courts now in operation in the Kokoda Track Area, community work in
clearing parts of the Kokoda Track could be handed down as penalties by the Village
Court.
It is planned that a MOA be established between the Northern and Central Provincial
Governments for funds to be made available for the clearing of the Kokoda Track.
Approaches will also be made to the Kokoda and Koiari LLGs for assistance with
funding maintenance of the Track. When funds are available from the PGs, LLGs
and possibly some Trek Fee income, maintenance can be budgeted for tree-fall and
landslip clearing, river crossing log bridges, etc.
There are also plans for various construction projects, including the construction of
footbridges over various creek and river crossings through the Australia / PNG joint
funded Kokoda Trail Development Project. Counterpart funding of some K9 million
by the PNG Government is still awaited to complete the program. Further
negotiations for funding of such projects will be continued by the Authority with
National Cultural Commission.
Because of the changing course of the Naoro River, Naoro villages suggested the
possibility of a dinghy with outboard motor to ferry trekkers and villagers across the
widest and deepest sections of this river. Such would be in preference to a
16
footbridge, but the logistics of servicing a dinghy or canoe would be somewhat of a
feat in itself.
12. Airstrip and Road Maintenance and Upgrading: To promote trekking and tourism
in the area, it is necessary for four existing Mt Koiari airstrips to be maintained and
upgraded where possible. These airstrips are Efogi, Kagi, Manari and Naduli. New
airstrips at Alola and Abuari currently under construction and funded by the Northern
Provincial Government will also need regular maintenance once officially opened.
It was suggested that application be made to Community Development Scheme for
part funding of four lawnmowers and that the Authority hire mower operators and
supply an estimated 40 litres of petrol per month to keep the existing four airstrips
grass cut. In the case of Efogi, it may be worthwhile having an Aesop volunteer
surveyor survey this strip and have manual labour or a bobcat cut the humps out of
the strip and fill the hollows. Such equipment could be part of a Defence Force
exercise for Efogi and maybe other airstrips.
Work on upgrading Myola and Naoro airstrips would need further consideration, once
the present Myola land dispute is settled and once the Naoro people settle down at
their final new village location and determine the need, if any, of having an airstrip at
Naoro.
Upgraded and maintained airstrips will encourage the recommencement of scheduled
flights into this area and assist with short trekking plans, agricultural crops to Port
Moresby markets and improved services to the community in store goods and other
supplies, etc.
Depo to Ower’s Corner road needs urgent upgrading as 4WD vehicles cannot
progress past the Salvation Army camp due to deep wheel ruts and potholes. It is
believed that some K100,000 overseas funding with K100,000 PNG counterpart
funding for basic rectification work on this road is forthcoming. Once contracts have
been let and this work is completed it will be necessary for regular maintenance of
drains, ruts and potholes to prevent the road from becoming impassable again.
13. Memorials, Museums, Historic Sites and War Relics: The Authority should
maintain memorials, and where appropriate, pay a caretaker to keep the memorial
and surrounding grounds neat and tidy. In the case of Kokoda Memorial Park, the
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Authority should get title to the land or an assignment from the present department for
the Authority to maintain the park and administer the Museum, thereby improving the
display of war relics. The small house adjoining the Museum could become the
Authority’s Kokoda office, although there are other office opportunities through the
Kokoda LLG and the Department of Environment and Conservation (formerly
National Parks & Wildlife).
The Isurava Memorial Park can be maintained by the Authority, with assignment and
possible part funding by the Australian War Graves Commission. A similar situation
would possibly apply with the Ower’s Corner memorial.
Fees should not be charged by landowners for visitors to visit memorials. KTA should
pay a landowner or contractor to maintain the memorial and surrounding grounds.
Interested landowners can open up safe war relic sites, eco-tourism attractions,
maintain the track to them and charge visitors an entrance fee. Village museums are
also privately owned and owners can charge an admittance fee to visitors.
It is proposed that KTA identify historic war sites with plaques or signboards, have
track arrows and distances between villages and points of interest.
The landowner at Brigade Hill has currently fenced the memorial site, constructed a
by-pass road and erected a guesthouse adjoining the memorial plaque. He is
charging K5 per visitor to the memorial site and K15 per night for guesthouse
accommodation or campsite fee. The visitor fee for the Brigade Hill memorial should
be waived if KTA pays the landowner to maintain the site.
14. Cultural Activities for Visitors and Trekkers: Communities were encouraged to
market their culture in the form of welcome songs and singsing groups. The welcome
singsing at Kovelo is normally K100 per performance. There does not appear to be
any charge for religious welcome songs. Some villagers expressed interest in selling
bilums, baskets and other handcrafts to trekkers, and possibly through a future
information hut at Ower’s Corner and at the Kokoda and Sogeri Authority office.
Books, maps and postcards of the Kokoda Track could also be sold at these outlets.
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15. KTA Logo Competetion: A logo competition for the Kokoda Track Authority was
conducted with primary school children along the Kokoda Track. 34 entries were
received and will be judged at the next Management Committee Meeting.
ATTACHMENT
Action Plans for Wards in conjunction with LLG Five Year Plans: The following list of
wish-list projects for the five year development plans of Wards and Villages (From
Kokoda to Depo / Sogeri) was supplied during the Awareness Patrol. Some wards and
villages have yet to supply their action plans.
Ward 1 (Asimba), Ward 4 (Amada), Ward 5 (Kokoda Station), Ward 6 (Koagea Block),
Ward 7 (Kebara) and ward 10 (Waju) are in the Kokoda Local Level Government’s Five
Year Decelpment Plan, a copy of which will be supplied in the near future. Discussions
with these Kokoda wards / Villages has been left with the Kokoda LLG President and
Ward Councillors and the Chairman of the Authority
Kovelo
Housing Scheme (Roofing iron sheets for housing)
Double Classroom for Elementary School
Aid Post
Guest House
Hoi
Housing Scheme (Iron roofing)
Petrol Lawnmower
Track Maintenance (Ranger Scheme)
Women’s Sewing Machines and Training
Rice Threshing Machine
Vehicle road Kokoda to Hoi (Already surveyed by OPIC for Oil
Palm Development)
Extension SDA church building (Roof iron, ridge cap, nails,
cement)
Poultry Project
Community Hall
Isurava #1
Mini – Hydro
Extend water supply to big river (presently dirty water supply)
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Fence Isurava Memorial site to keep pigs out
Cattle Project
Poultry Project
Housing Scheme (Iron roofing)
Aid Post
Donation Fund for Isurava Battle Field maintenance
Sewing Machines and training
Isurava #2
Water Supply
Base Radio
Airstrip (Rotary Intl has done survey)
Alolo
Chainsaw for Eaglewood harvesting
Mini-Hydro
Community Museum building
Alolo Airstrip completion (PG funded)
Eco-tourism Wildlife Management Area
Maiaka Waterfall at Alolo develop as tourist attraction
Abuari
Abuari airstrip completion (PG funded)
Aid post replacement
Primary School maintenance (Refer NCC and Rotary)
Guest House mattresses and pillows
War site plaques
Canteen
Kagi
Action Plans awaited
Efogi
Action Plans awaited from Cllr Willie Vave
Manari
1000 Vanilla cuttings
Rice Mill
Airstrip mower
School and Clinic mower
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36 plastic chairs for school
Fencing for school
Teachers House
Community Hall
Church building
Naoro
Water supply for relocated village
Upgrade and maintain Naoro Airstrip
Girinumu and Uberi
Road upgrading Sogeri – Ower’s Corner
Communication system
Water supply
Elementary School
Vesulogo
Action Plans awaited from Cllr Babea Mado
Depo
Water supplies for Depo, Baywatch, Ianabewai, Manurinimu, etc
Memorial museum
Upgrade Sogeri – Ower’s Corner Road, and Manurinimu and
Hombrum Bluff roads
Upgrade swing bridge Baywatch for Australian War Sites
Upgrade swing bridge Iarowari High School
Guest House and Community Hall at Manurinimu
Housing Scheme (Roofing iron for houses)
Women’s Sewing Machines and training
Women’s Drum Bakery and training
Vocational School
Upgrade Sogeri Rural Health Centre
Elementary School at Depo
PNG Power reticulation to Bisiatabu
Street lights
Information Centre
Church maintenance
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