Nature Park ordered to stop operations pending leave application

THE National Court has ordered the Port Moresby Nature Park management to stop operations pending a determination of an application for leave filed by the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG).
On Nov 5, the court granted an interim injunction preventing Nature Park, its staff or agents from carrying out any development on a piece of land pending the determination of the leave application.
It stopped registering the acquisition of the land described as Portion 1471 (now Portion 4183) at Granville in Port Moresby.
It also stopped them from removing, or destroying any structures, fixtures, plants, trees, flowers, animals, on the piece of land pending the determination of the leave application.
According to court documents, the UPNG is challenging the decision by the Lands Department to acquire the piece of land Nature Park is situated on.
UPNG argues that it is the legal owner of the piece of land and had given it to the National Capital District Commission for the benefit of the public.
In return, UPNG students and staff would not be charged any fees for using the park for research and recreational purposes.
Parties are expected to appear in court today for the hearing of the University of PNG’s leave application.