Kokoda Spirit Newsletter
January 2008  Issue 19
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January 23, 2008

For Immediate Release

Kokoda Track Saved!!!!
No Mining on the Kokoda Track!!!!
Reported by Wayne Wetherall

I have just returned from a whirlwind trip to PNG. What a fantastic trip it was!

I had a meeting with Mr Vincent Kambori, the PNG Government Secretary for Planning.  He is also the Planning Secretary for Mining in PNG and the new National Government Secretary for establishing an agreement for the protection of the Kokoda Track.

I presented Mr. Kambori with the anti mining petition from the Landowners along the Kokoda Track and explained the benefits of eco tourism along the track for the Landowners and villages and the environmental degradation that mining is causing and will continue to cause to the Kokoda Track.

He informed me personally during our talks that he and the PNG Government are rejecting the mining application by Frontier Mining along the Kokoda Track and any other future applications. We also discussed plans to implement a joint Australian PNG plan to implement the Joint "Kokoda Track Heritage Icon plan", which will be devised to protect the Kokoda Track from any future mining or logging operations.

The plan will also implement environmental and economical plans to protect the track from over commercialisation and environmental damage and to also maximise the benefits to the communities along the Kokoda Track. The plan is to be implemented and announced jointly by the PNG Prime Minister Michael Somare and Australian Prime Minister  Kevin Rudd  on Mr Rudds soon upcoming visit to PNG.

This is fantastic news and could be a major announcement at the KTF Ralph Honner Dinner.  Congratulations to all our trekkers and friends who stood up for their beliefs and campaigned against the mining on the track. Your caring has made people realise how important the Kokoda Track is to our Australian and PNG Heritage and Spirit. This is one example when an individual can make a difference and "the more impossible something seems the more possible it becomes."

Buna - Oro Bay Cyclone Update
Reported by Wayne Wetherall

During my PNG trip I had a meeting with Basil the Chief of Chiefs in the Buna Sanananda area and also the PNG Government Secretary for planning. They both informed me that the majority of food and aid supplies are not getting to the remote parts of the Oro Province areas.

There is still a major problem with lack of food, starvation, sickness and major water contamination due to the wells been spoilt by the floods. There is a major requirement for water purification tablets and water purification or desalination equipment, general antibiotics and medical aid.

There is a need also for general gardening equipment, shovels , picks, axes etc. The village gardens are still three months away from producing any substantial amount of food. The situation in the area is still severe. Ongoing assistance is required for basic food, clean water and medicines.

Don't forget to reserve your spot for the Kokoda Track Foundation Dinner.

Regards
Wayne & Michelle Wetherall
Kokoda Spirit
"In the footsteps of heroes"