Call to transfer park’s authority

ABAU MP Sir Puka Temu has called on the Government to consider transferring the Konebada Petroleum Park authority to the Central government.
During debate in Parliament on the Papua LNG Project (Amendment) Bill 2019, Sir Puka said Central had given away so much land for the development of the city and the airport.
“As one of the initial drafters of the Konebada Petroleum Park authority, as Papuans and as sons of Central, our thinking was KPPA, and the name Konebada originates from our Motuan language which means big beach,” he said.
“Through this intervention and amendment, the KPPA Act be fully amended to become a sub-national authority.
“The people of Central have missed out on their city because NCDC has taken over the bulk of the revenue.
“We are still negotiating less than 10 per cent of the GST to be given to Central provincial government.
“May I request that Parliament considers KPPA be parked under Central government.”
The Bill was one of the 10 passed by Parliament this week. It amends the KPPA Act 2008 by inserting a new section to exclude the Papua LNG project, its area, assets and its operations and products from the effect and operation of that Act and to provide that the powers of the authority do not apply to them.