Kokoda Track reopened after talks

Published: 3:33PM Monday May 11, 2009 Source: AAP

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Papua New Guinea landowners have reopened the Kokoda Track after emergency talks settled their grievances.

Last Wednesday landowners began demanding 200 kina each from trekking groups and wouldn't allow trekkers to pass at Kovelo village at the Kokoda end of the 96km trail.

A meeting between Kovelo villagers and the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) on the weekend led to the blockade ending late on Sunday afternoon.

Kokoda-based Ori Kennia, a landowner spokesman, told AAP some trekkers had been delayed for almost a day.

"Landowner are satisfied their demands have been met by the KTA, so the track is open again," he said.

"Landowners along the track want to see the financial benefits of trekking and the KTA must beef up their approach," he said.

Last year, when a mining venture threatened to interfere with the track, the Australian and PNG governments signed a joint statement ensuring the track remained untouched and landowners benefited from development projects.

But landowners say they haven't seen any of the promised benefits.

Kennia added the villagers support comments by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who earlier this month said not enough AusAID money was being delivered to essential assistance like teaching, infrastructure and health services.

"Too much AusAID money is being spent on consultants and should be spent directly on projects, especially along the Kokoda Track," Kennia said.

The newly appointed KTA executive director Rod Hillman said the track closure was "disappointing".

The main issue for the KTA was getting money to remote villagers who often don't have bank accounts or formal accounting structures, he said.

"The KTA has convened a special board for tomorrow (Tuesday) to specifically address the villagers concerns," he said.

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