Queensland and PNG rangers work together on historic Kokoda track

Rangers from Queensland and Papua New Guinea will work together to repair the Kokoda Track, in the 75th Anniversary year of the Seond World War Kokoda Campaign.

The Queensland Government has this week signed a memorandum of understanding with the PNG Government, backed by the Federal Government which is helping to fund the project as part of a five-year, $25 million commitment to the protection of the Kokoda Track and surrounding region.

As a result, nine Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers will be heading to Papua New Guinea to work with the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) on track repairs and the recording of natural values along some key sections of the track.

The first staff are expected to leave on 13th March.

Commenting on the project, Queensland National Parks Minister Dr Steven Miles stated “this is a very exciting project for all involved – the Kokoda Track is such a significant part of PNG’s and Australia’s wartime history, and the work also provides an opportunity to learn skills from each other.

“QPWS established a working relationship with the KTA when its staff assisted with track projects and training during a management trek prior to the 2015 ANZAC Day Centenary celebrations.

“The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has supported the continuation of the relationship.

“The (Queensland) Government will pay staff salaries and DFAT will fund other costs.”

PNG’s Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Tobias Kulang, who signed the MOU with Dr Miles, said the KTA was a key partner in the Kododa Initiative (KI) - a PNG-led joint development program designed to preserve the Kokoda Track region.

Minister Kulang said the KI is intended to assist the PNG Government with the management, sustainable development and protection of the Kokoda Track and the greater area’s important natural, cultural and military heritage values.

Minister Kulang stated “(PNG) welcomes and appreciates the ongoing support from QPWS, which sent staff to PNG two years ago to participate in a Management Trek and to assist the KTA with high-rainfall track management, maintenance and developing technologies”.

QPWS acting Executive Director Northern Parks and Forests James Newman said the participating rangers had fine skills and depth of experience to contribute to the project and the Papua New Guinean people.

Newman explained “the work that they will undertake will not be easy, and will be carried out in steep, muddy terrain in wet conditions, but will be very rewarding.

“I’m very proud to know our rangers will be sharing their expertise, learning from the local rangers, and helping the Kokoda Track Authority to maintain a safe and well-managed track that honours the historical significance and protects and promotes its special values.

“Papua New Guinea is a special place; so too are its people. The Kokoda Track is actually on customary land, which belongs to the communities along its length. It is with their blessing that numerous Australians have visited this historic trail that is part of our national identity.

“For QPWS to be able to assist KTA and those communities, which are mostly farmers, to maintain the trail so it remains open is a great outcome for all, and a privilege for QPWS.

“In 2015 QPWS rangers working with KTA and DFAT were able to provide guidance and options for track maintenance and management. Now this new partnership initiative will see the continuation of that legacy with on-ground works carried out with the Kokoda Track staff and local villagers.”

The three pillars of the Kokoda Initiative are:

Track: To preserve and maintain the heritage and historical values of the area and boost tourism capacity and promotion.

People: To support communities and landowners in the region by ensuring health, education, infrastructure and governance needs are met.

Environment: To ensure the pristine wilderness of the region, including unique flora and fauna and important waterways, are protected.

Images: A formed section of the Kokoda Track - QPWS rangers will be working with locals to improve other sections and reduce sediment runoff into local creeks (top) and QPWS rangers will stay in local accommodation when working on the track (middle). Courtesy of A. Colvill/QPWS.

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