Bishop commends Pundari over Kokoda Track

AUSTRALIAN Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop has commended Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Minister John Pundari for his leadership to develop and preserve the Kokoda Track.
Pundari met with Bishop last Thursday and discussed issues concerning the track and its significance as a wartime heritage to both countries.
“I would like to congratulate you on your leadership on the Kokoda Initiative and your collaborative approach towards working with local communities along the Kokoda Track to stimulate and grow the trekking industry,” Bishop said.
She said Kokoda was an important wartime heritage and welcomed the review of the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) announced by Prime Minister O’Neill last year.
Pundari acknowledged the support and commitment of the Australian government towards supporting the work of Kokoda Track Authority.
He said the current review of KTA was designed to improve the effectiveness of the organisation through increased governance, accountability and resourcing so that local communities would benefit more from the trekking fees and socio-economic development opportunities for the people.
Pundari said the Kokoda Initiative Committee would work with the Northern and Central administrations, and the districts of Sohe and Kairuku-Hiri to ensure there was an agreed programme of development to benefit every community member along the Kokoda Track corridor.