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KOKODA TRACK AUTHORITY (A Special Authority of the Kokoda and Koiari Local-level Governments), PO Box 545, Boroko NCD 111 Papua New Guinea. Telephone: +675 323 6165 Fax: +675 323 6020; Email: kokodatrackauthority@global.net.pg
Kokoda Track Authority – Frequently Asked Questions
What is role of the KTA?
The Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) is a Papua New Guinean Special Purpose Authority, commissioned to:
- Work with tourism providers to develop and maintain the tourism industryin the Kokoda Track corridor;
- Provide a sustainable future for Track communities;
- Collect and manage trekking fees and permits;
- Oversee and regulate the conduct of tour operators to ensure the sustainable management of the Track and respect for local culture;
- Consult with landowners and Local-level Governments on their needs relating to the distribution of tourism benefits; and
- Work closely with the Kokoda Development Program to deliver coummunity development programs.
What is the role of the KTA Management Committee and KTA staff?
The KTA Management Committee (Board) is charged with the strategic direction of the KTA, forward planning and issues management. The Committee was fully reformed in August 2008, and is comprised of a number of individuals nominated to represent the interests of Track stakeholder groups, including representatives from:
- PNG Government Department
- PNG Provincial and Local Level Government
- Landowners
- Tour operators (vacant)
KTA staff manage the daily operations of the Authority. This includes liaising with communities, tour operators, government agencies and media on track management, as well as collection and distribution of a proportion of the trek fees to Track communities.
Through the Kokoda Initiative, the Australian Government provides funding for some KTA staff positions to assist the PNG Government to effectively manage the Kokoda Track. The PNG Government, through the Management Committee, is responsibile for the KTA's strategic direction and operational decision-making.
The KTA also directly funds a number of PNG staff, and is recruiting 'PNG counterpart' positions within the organisation to continue to transfer skills and build capacity.
How does the KTA help manage tourism activities on the track?
The KTA is working with stakeholders on the conditions of 'Commercial Tourism' Licences' to come into effect at the beginning of the 2010 trekking season. The purpose of the licence system is to set minimum standards in the Kokoda tourism industry.
In July 2009, the KTA and Kokoda trek operators released a voluntary Code of Conduct for tour operations along the Track.
What are Track Permit Fees used for?
Track Permit Fees are the sole source of KTA revenue and are used to fund PNG staff salaries, pay office rental, undertake track maintenance, business planning and management and make land owner/community payments (Ward Development funding).
Track management consists of undertaking planning, repairs and maintenance and employment of Track Officers (Rangers).
The expenditure ratio target is:
- Administration, Salaries and 'running the business' – 50%
- Track Maintenance – 25%
- Cash payments to local communities – 25%
How are Track Permit Fees distributed to communities?
Since its restructure in early 2008, the KTA has appropriate financial processes to distribute a percentage of proceeds from trekking fees to land owners/communities ('Tourism Service Funding'). Approximately 25 per cent of trekking fees are distributed to land owners/communities through the Ward Development Committee system.
A total of K15,000 was provided to each of the 14 Wards of the Kokoda Corridor in 2009, plus an additional K5,000 each to four pioneering Wards. The funds are transferred to the communities through Ward Development bank accounts, which are controlled by a Ward Development Committee representing the interests of the community. Each account requires at least three signatories to access the funds. Acquittal is reported back to the communities.
Are communities involved in maintenance work on the Track?
The KTA has negotiated 'Village Track Maintenance Agreements' with communities. This contract pays K2,000 per annum to the 16 Village Development Committees directly on the Track, at an annual total of K32,000.
What is the KTA's role in landowner disputes?
While the role of the KTA does not extend to negotiating conditions between landowners and trekking companies, the KTA will attempt to act as a mediator between the parties when possible.
The preferred method for dealing with landowner disputes is to use existing systems set up through the Local-level Governments and supported by the law and justice system.
Costs involved in resolving any future disruption of Track closure will be deducted from the 'Tourism Service Funding' (see above).
What is the KTA's role in community development?
The KTA is assisting the Kokoda Development Program (part of the joint PNG-Australian Government Kokoda Initiative) with community development programs along the Track. The aim of the KDP is to assist those living in the Kokoda Track corridor to access basic services such as water, sanitation, health, education and transport.
In addition, the KTA is undertaking complementary community development programs, such as working with Conservation Volunteers Australia on a capacity building program, which pays local people to participate in track maintenance training, increasing local capacity and providing future employment opportunities.
In the near future, the KTA will also assist the PNG and Australian governments to implement livelihoods projects along the Track, including micro-business support for communities.
What is the KTA doing to improve safety on and around the Track?
The KTA has undertaken a wide range of safety activities including;
- upgrade along the Track with training over fifty local community representatives to undertake Track Maintenance
- Purchase of Track Radios for KTA Rangers and Track Operator use
- Installation of Track Radio and Satellite phone recharging stations along the Track
- Upgrades to the VHF radio network
- Major rehabilitation of the Kokoda Airstrip
- Development of the Tour Operator Licensing system (2010)
- Removal of unexploded ordinance
- Identification of safety issues through the Track Analysis
The KTA is also working with the PNG and Australian governments to implement the 'Kokoda Track Safety Package', announced in September 2009. Key activities funded under the Safety Package include track maintenance, safety audits of airstrips, repairs to roads and bridges and upgrades to radio communications.
The KTA is negotiating contracts and funding agreements with service providers and communities to undertake the safety upgrades, which will benefit communities, trekkers and tour operators.
How does the KTA engage in stakeholder consultation?
The KTA conducts a wide range of stakeholder consultation activities, including:
- Holding regular Tour Operator Forums in Australia and PNG
- Distributing a monthly newsletter
- Meeting regularly with PNG Government (local and national) counterparts
- Funding Rangers and Permit Officers to regularly walk the Track, talk to communities, porters, tour operators and trekkers.
The KTA also assists the Tourism Promotion Authority in working with the tourism industry and other stakeholders to assess and promote the region's tourism potential.
How does the KTA fit within the broader Kokoda Initiative?
The Kokoda Initiative is a joint PNG-Australian Government program. In April 2008, the two countries signed a Joint Understanding to work together to protect the Owen Stanley Ranges (including the Kokoda Track) and to improve the lives of communities along the Track.
The KTA is responsible for delivering one of the three main elements of the Kokoda Initiative – track management.
Other Kokoda Initiative program streams include improving community livelihoods through the Kokoda Development Program, and protection of the broader Owen Stanley Ranges.
What are the KTA's contact details?
The KTA can be contacted via:
Email: kokodatrackauthority@global.net.pg
Post: PO Box 545, Boroko. NCD 111
Phone: +675 323 6165
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