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Numbers on the Track
Permit numbers continue at 24% below 2008 numbers and 6% below 2007 numbers YTD. August has over 320 permits presold (802 total in 2008) so we should get close to the 2008 figures.
PermitsAugust_resized.jpgRadio Network
Steve Groves is booked to fly to Mt Fala on the 4th August to repair and upgrade the repeater and install the new Operations channel. The delay has been caused by ongoing poor weather conditions at Mt Fala and the unavailability of a suitable helicopter.
Tour Operator Forums
A second Tour Operator Forum was held in Port Moresby in July. Approximately forty operators and stakeholders attended and was chaired by Jerry Agus from the TPA. My thanks to the TPA for sponsoring the forum.
Main discussion points from the forum included;
- Compulsory incident reporting to the KTA
- Concern over levels of rubbish collecting along the Track
- Ongoing concern with the condition of Owers Corner Road
- Creating minimum standards
- How best to create long term benefits for local communities, and
- The need for a pre and post tour operator briefing.
Payments to Communities
The second payment of K5,000 has been distributed to the Ward Development Committees (WDC) who have established their structure and bank accounts. At this point eight (8) WDCs have been created, more than half of the total. These payments have made a significant difference to the relationship between KTA and the communities which has changed from one based on mistrust and antagonism to one that is positive and forward looking.
Village maintenance agreements have also been negotiated with most villages along the track where individual villages are paid K2,000 to take responsibility for their section of Track and undertake minor maintenance over the year.
Kokoda Airstrip
A contract has been agreed with the Kokoda LLG for the entire Kokoda Airstrip to be hand cut and cleared, with the cut grass and bush removed. The Kokoda LLG will share the work between at least eighteen community groups and the work has commenced and expected to be finished by mid August.
A maintenance agreement has also been negotiated to tractor slash the Airstip once a month and the runway mown once a month (ie the runway slashed and mown once a month).
Incident reports
The two tour operator forums held this year have both raised the issue of gaining knowledge about injuries on the Track. It is proposed that a system of incident reporting be initiated for the 2010 season whereby operators will complete an incident report for serious injuries (ones where a trekker can no longer continue on the trek) and supply this to the KTA.
The KTA will report, via this newsletter, total injuries and their type on a monthly basis. Information received will be treated confidentially and reports will not show the operator involved. Main benefits will be to draw conclusions about the types of injuries being sustained and what preventative measures can be implemented. The process will be developed over the off season and operators with views and suggestions on this issue please make contact with Volker or myself.
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