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This newsletter is to inform Kokoda Track landowners, Kokoda and Koiari Local-level Governments, government bodies and interested organizations and persons associated with the Track, of the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) achievements in 2005 and plans for the future sustainable tourism development of the Track in conjunction, consultation and co-operation with all stakeholders.
The 2005 Trekking Season ceased in December after the 39 man Brisbane Lions’ trek from Kokoda to Owers’ Corner. The first edition of the newsletter was in March, 2005 and we apologize for not producing other editions in 2005.
Last year was a year of proving that the Kokoda Track Authority was going to be of benefit to the Kokoda Track communities, tour operators and trekking groups. Despite some criticism, KTA has received much praise for what was achieved to date.
In 2006 there will be considerable developments for sustainable tourism of the Kokoda Track and all stakeholders are requested to offer their suggestions and criticisms, and above all, co-operate with KTA in its endeavours for good tourism resulting in economic, social and environmental benefits to all.
KTA – A PNG Statutory Government Body
The Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) is a statutory government body of the Kokoda and Koiari Rural Local-level Govern-ments (LLGs) approved by the National Executive Council under the Local-level Governments Administration Act 1997 and proclaimed by the Governor-General on 11 June 2003. KTA was established for the general purpose of assisting the implementation of the functions of the Koiari Rural Local-level Government and the Kokoda Rural Local-level Government and covers the areas of the Kokoda Track as defined in the Proclamations of those Local-level Governments made in accordance with the provisions of Section 27(1) of the Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local-level Governments.
Its Management Committee of nine members was sworn in on 9 December, 2004. Four members represent the two LLGs, two represent the Administration of the two Districts, whilst the other three represent the National Cultural Commission, Tourism Promotion Authority and Returned Services League. Tour Operators can also have a member on the management committee, however such position is presently declared vacant and hopefully will be filled in 2006 by a representative of the Kokoda Track Tour Operators as nominated by the Tour Operators. Mr Alfred Amuli from Abuari Village, Kokoda is the Chairman and Mr Warren Bartlett, the present Executive Officer.
KTA Office & Staff
KTA’s present Sogeri office will be relocated to Boroko in February and a branch office has been established at Kokoda adjoining the Kokoda Post Office.
Administrative staff will be appointed in February, including three Rangers, who will be based at Port Moresby/Owers’ Corner, Kokoda and Kagi to keep regular contact with the village communities and trekkers along the Track. These rangers will report any problems to KTA management at Port Moresby and Kokoda.
They will also ensure that all trekkers have their group or individual KTA Trek Permit, otherwise under the Kokoda Track Permit Laws of both LLGs, the trekkers will be stopped and not allowed to proceed until their Tour Operator applies for Trek Permits.
The Tour Operator will be contacted by radio from the track and will be required to lodge a K100 surcharge in addition to the K200 trek fee before the trekker(s) will be allowed to proceed. The rangers will also ensure that camping grounds, track and creek log crossings are maintained and report to KTA management any problems encountered.
KTA Function
The purpose of KTA is to assist both LLGs in carrying out their functions within the Kokoda Track Area as follows:
- focus on the significance of the Kokoda Track/Trail due to its part in WW2 and promote this legacy for present and future generations;
- Promote trekking and tourism related activities in the Kokoda Track Area;
- Administer, facilitate, ensure and / or oversee the implementation of developments and other projects in the Kokoda track Area;
- Collect, manage and use development revenue from fee paying Trekkers and other sources for approved projects;
- Consult with landowners on their needs and priorities;
- Provide a point of contact for agencies, organizations or persons wanting to initiate activities along the Kokoda Track; etc.
KTA Trek Permit Fees
Under the Kokoda Track Trek Permit Law 2005 passed by both the Kokoda and Koiari Local-level Governments all persons, whether as individuals or part of a group, who wish to walk the Kokoda Track, are required to obtain a Trek Permit.
Trek Permits are available upon application from KTA or through recognized Tour Operators registered with the Authority. (Trek permits are not applicable to traditional landowners and their family members normally resident in the Kokoda Track area).
The Trek Permit fees applicable as per the Kokoda Track Trek Permit Law 2005 effective from 1st January, 2005 are as follows:
a) International trekker – K200.00
b) International child or student trekker (up to 18 years) – K100.00
c) Papua New Guinean citizen and resident non-citizen trekker – K100.00
d) Papua New Guinean citizen child or student trekker and PNG resident non-citizen child or student trekker (up to 18 years) – K 50.00
e) Aid and volunteer workers (working on Track activities) – K FreeFees for short treks of 1 to 5 days duration are based on K30 per person per day for international trekkers with a proportionate reduction for other classes of trekkers as listed above.
Upon receipt of a Kokoda Track Trek Permit Applicaton Form and the prescribed fee by the KTA office, a KTA receipt will be issued for the funds received and a computer generated Trek Permit printed for the Group (or individual Trek Permits should the Trekkers desire a permit each for memento purposes).
Should Permits be requested for individual trekkers, there should be a list of trekkers attached to the application form detailing Trekkers name, address suburb or town, state and country so that such information can be entered on the Permit.
Permits can be mailed to the Tour Operator if applications are received and paid two weeks in advance of treks otherwise collected from KTA Boroko or Kokoda offices or delivered to their Tour Operator’s Port Moresby office or trekkers’ Hotel upon their arrival in PNG.
Kokoda Track Trekking Statistics
Kokoda Track trekking statistics commenced in June, 2001 when Trek Permit fees started being charged to trekkers and trekking groups walking the Kokoda Track. Niugini Holidays in Sydney commenced such charges on behalf of the communities and the future authority which was to be set up for administering the envisaged growing trekking industry. In August, 2002 the PNG Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA) commenced collecting Trek Fees in Port Moresby for the same reason.
When KTA commenced operations in May 2004 with an Interim Management Committee, the Minister for Inter-Government Relations directed that all trek permit fees collected by agencies were to be transferred to KTA. PNGTIA transferred their collected Trek Fees to KTA, however Niugini Holidays still refuses to transfer their collected fees until a Deed of Release is obtained signed by all Kokoda Track landowners authorizing that KTA was to receive such moneys and that Niugini Holidays be indemnified against any claims on these transferred moneys. At 31 December, 2005, it is calculated on actual statistics from June 2001 to April 2003 with projections to date, that Niugini Holidays owes KTA over K197,450.
Based on the KTA maintained statistics, the following number of Trek Permit Fee paying trekkers trekking the Kokoda Track is as follows:
2001: 76 Trekkers
2002: 365 Trekkers
2003: 586 Trekkers + estimated 300 NGH trekkers = 886 Trekkers
2004: 1,181 Trekkers + estimated 400 NGH trekkers = 1,581 Trekkers
2005: 1,868 Trekkers + estimated 400 NGH trekkers = 2,268 TrekkersFor all years, allow 10% additional numbers to make up for small groups from Australia and local national and non-national groups who escaped paying trekking fees due to KTA not having Rangers employed to apprehend such non-payers. This situation will be overcome in 2006 with the employment of Rangers in February to monitor trekkers at airports at Port Moresby and Kokoda and trekkers arriving at Owers’ Corner.
For Trekkers and Groups with trek permits applied, paid and issued through KTA for the year 2005 in alphabetical order as at 1st December, 2005:
Adventure Kokoda – 221 trekkers – 8 treks
Australian Defence Force – 20 trekkers – 1 trek
Curtain Bros – 12 trekkers – 1 trek
DCXP – Duncan Chessel (through Tropic Tours) – 43 trekkers – 5 treks
Eco Tourism Melanesia – 35 trekkers – 7 treks
Elei Tours & Services (Kokoda Holidays) – 15 trekkers – 1 trek
Executive Excellence (through Tropic Tours) – 245 trekkers – 15 treks
Fuzzy Wuzzy Expeditions – 17 trekkers – 1 trek
Koiari Treks & Tours – 51 trekkers – 10 treks
Kokoda Experience – 111 trekkers – 17 treks
Kokoda Legends – 54 trekkers – 6 treks
Kokoda Memorial Foundation – 27 trekkers – 1 trek
Kokoda Spirit – 4 trekkers – 1 trek
Kokoda Trekking (ourselves) – 636 trekkers – 69 treks
Kokoda Treks & Tours – 172 trekkers – 12 treks
Mentone Grammar- 3 treks
Niugini Tours / Pacific Travel / SPT – 15 trekkers – 1 trek
Niugini Tours (APPLIED FOR, ISSUED BUT UNPAID) 66 trekkers – 6 trek
No Roads Expeditions (through Tropic Tours) – 23 trekkers – 2 trek
PNG Adventure Trekking (sub-contracted to KTL – ourselves – led by Pam Christie) – 33 trekkers – 6 treks
Private Trekkers – 37 trekkers – 12 treks
St Patricks College, Ballarat – 22 trekkers – 1 trek
Toogee Treks – 7 trekkers – 1 trek
World expeditions – 2 trekkers – 1 trekTotal Permits Issued by KTA 2005 up to 1st December, 2005 = 1868 trekkers – 190 different treks.
KTA Finances
Kokoda Track Authority has been established with only K15,000 financial assistance from the Government to date, such being made available in December, 2005 from Hon Sir Moi Avei, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Petroleum & Energy and Member for Kairuku-Hiri Electorate, .
Trek Permit Fee income is collected for funding community infrastructure projects with proportion being set aside for administration expenses. In 2005 KTA received K332,000 from trek fees (2001-2004 K164,500) and K31,000 from Service Fee income.
In 2005, The Kokoda Track Foundation in Sydney contributed K48,000 towards 52 High School scholarships, school supplies for seven for village elementary and primary schools and medical supplies for four village aid posts. The Australian High Commission, through its HOMDAP Scheme, assisted with K30,000 for upgrading Kokoda Track radio network with equipment of a wind turbine for the Mount Fala Repeater and new base stations for Owers’ Corner (Girinumu Village), Ua’ule Creek Camp Ground (Ioribaiwa Village), Templeton 2 Crossing (Maraba Village) and Hoi Village.
Financial statements in the prescribed government format will be provided to both LLGs for their approval and submission to the Ministry of Inter-Government Relations in March, 2006. Once approved, copies can be made available to Tour Operators and the Kokoda Track communities.
KTA Funded Community Projects
Kokoda Track Community Development Projects funded by Trek Fees, Kokoda Track Foundation, Rotary and the Australian High Commission HOMDAP Scheme and completed or progressing by KTA to December, 2005 are:
CENTRAL PROVINCE
1. Track clearing and log bridge replacement contracts – Owers’ Corner to Templeton Crossing.
2. Part re-decking bridge (Sal Army) on Owers’ Corner Road
3. Maintenance Owers’ Corner Memorial Park
4. Maintenance McDonalds’ Corner Memorial
5. Maintenance Depo Memorial
6. Supply of Lawnmowers, tools and initial 20 litres petrol to Girinumu (Owers’ Corner), Depo, Bisiatabu, Maninumu, Kagi Airstrip, Efogi Airstrip, Manari Airstrip, Naduri Airstrip
7. Supply poultry projects (wire mesh, nails, feed, feeders, drinkers, lamp & initial kerosene and box day old chickens x 50) to Vesulogo, Launumu, Efogi (x2), Kagi, Girinumu, Manari (x3), Naduri, Kavovo School
8. Supply medical kits to Naoro, Manari, Kagi (KTF main funding K1,000 each)
9. School sponsorships – 26 students Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 ( funded 30% KTF, 70% KTA)
10. Repair Kokoda Track VHF radios – Manari, Kagi, Manumu
11. School supplies – Manari, Kavovo, Efogi, Naoro (KTF main funding K4000 each)
12. Water Supply materials extension of Manari and Lone water reticulation
13. Supply sporting equipment to youth Manari and Sogeri
14. Welfare assistance Kagi community
15. Upgrading camp ground toilets with fibreglass or plastic toilet trunks (ongoing)
16. Supply VHF radio equipment to Owers Corner (Girinumu),and Ioribaiwa (AusAid Homdap + KTA installation costs)
17. Conduct awareness and project inspection patrols
18. Conduct Sustainable Tourism Workshop at Efogi (funded KTF)
19. New Signboard for Kokoda National Walking Track at Owers CornerORO PROVINCE
1. Clearing and maintenance for upgrading Kokoda Airstrip for Dash 8 aircraft
2. Kokoda Town clean up
3. Supply of Lawnmowers, tools and initial 20 litres petrol to Kokoda Memorial Hospital, Kokoda LLG, Kovelo, Gorari Anglican Parish, Kabara Anglican Parish, Sago Anglican Parish, SDA Kokoda
4. Repairs to Kokoda Town GenSet and supply diesel fuel
5. Supply Drum Ovens – Isurava and Alola
6. Supply Coffee Pulpers – Abuari, Kaele, Hagutava
7. Supply medical kit to Alola (KTF main funding K1000 each)
8. School Supplies – Kokoda, Alola, Kovelo
9. School sponsorships – 26 students Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 ( funded 30% KTF, 70% KTA)
10. Track Clearing and log bridge replacement contracts – Kovelo to Templeton Crossing
11. Repair of Kokoda Track VHF radios – Kokoda, Kovelo, Felai, Abuari,
12. Assist with materials and logistics Rotary project Abuari double classroom and aidpost
13. Supply sports equipment and shields Kokoda Urban Soccer (donated by Adventure Kokoda)
14. Water, showers and toilets improvements – Isurava Memorial Park
15. Commence set up of Kokoda KTA office
16. Supply poultry projects (wire mesh, nails, feed, feeders, drinkers, lamp & initial kerosene and box day old chickens x 50) to Hoi, Amanda, Aso, Savaea, Sengi, Kele Dogua, Komo, Manua
17. Welfare assistance – Biage Community Group, Emo River Village (Malagas Foundation)
18. Supply sewing machines and materials to Mothers Groups at Fala, Dorcas, Felai Lolo, Kebara
19. Conduct Sustainable Tourism Workshop at Kokoda in July 2005
20. Upgrade camp ground toilets with fibreglass or plastic toilet trunks (ongoing)
21. Supply new VHF radio equipment – Hoi, Templeton Crossing (Maraba), wind turbine at Mt Fala repeater (AusAid Homdap funded + KTA installation costs)
22. Supply filing cabinet, typewrirter, office stationery to Kokoda LLG
23. Conduct awareness and project inspection patrols
24. Conduct Sustainable Tourism Workshop at Kokoda (funded KTA/KTF)
25. New signboards Kokoda National Walking Track (double sided) at Kokoda Hospital gateThe Kokoda Track Foundation
The need for a plan for the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF)was first identified in a paper written by Charlie Lynn in 1994 (a copy is included in the attached Kokoda Track Foundation Interim Report). Since that time the numbers of trekkers slowly increased until the Australian and PNG Governments opened the new memorial at Isurava on the 60th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign.
The resulting increase in public awareness has seen a dramatic increase in the number of Australians wanting to trek across the track and the number of tour operators. The need for a coordinated plan to develop and manage the track and the activities across it became more apparent.
In late 2002 the Minister for Veterans Affairs admitted that the Australian Government did not have a master plan for the development of the Kokoda Track. The Minister did agree that if such a plan were developed and approved by the RSL she would present it to the Government for consideration and implementation.
The Kokoda Track was then established to research and prepare a strategic plan for the development of the Kokoda Track as a National Memorial Park with a view to providing a self-sustaining eco-trekking industry for the Koiari and Orokaiva people who live along it. The website of the Foundation can be found at
http://www.kokodatrackfoundation.org All the Directors of the Foundation volunteer their services in an honourary capacity.The Steering Committee established to develop the strategic plan includes:
- Mr Kelvin Templeton of Templeton-Galt (www.templetongalt.com)
- Dr Stephen Wearing, Associate Professor of the University of Technology Sydney (www.uts.edu.au/new/index.html)
- Mr Paul Chatterton of the World Wide Fund for Nature in PNG (www.wwfpacific.org.fj/where_we_work/png/index.cfm)
The Foundation has engaged the services of former army Colonel David Knaggs (also a former Pacific Islands Regimental Officer in PNG). His engagement has been funded in partnership with the RSL.
As part of the process of developing a strategic plan, the Foundation has funded research workshops in Sydney, Efogi, Kokoda and Port Moresby. These have involved trekkers, Kokoda landowners, clan leaders, PNG National, Provincial and Local Level Government representatives, the Tourism Promotion Authority, the National Cultural Commission, AusAID, the Australian High Commission, tour operators, community and ex-service organizations.
The planned workshop in Port Moresby on 22-23 February is the final part of the process of developing the strategic plan before it is presented to the PNG and Australian governments on Anzac Day.
It is important to realize that the strategic plan will be a living document. It will be subject to ongoing review and all stakeholders will be encouraged to add further contributions as the trekking industry developments of cultural/environmental circumstances change.
Attached is a proposal for a strategic plan developed by Kelvin Templeton together with reports on the conduct and outcomes of the Sydney, Efogi and Kokoda workshops.
KTA would welcome any submissions from tour operators in regard to the workshops conducted thus far and would also welcome any ongoing ideas to improve the development of a sustainable eco-trekking industry on the Kokoda Track.
2006 DEVELOPMENTS
KTA Capacity Building
KTA management committee is in the final stages of a submission to the Dept of the Prime Minister for funding of Capacity Building of the KTA administrative structure. Such actions will improve the effectiveness of the organization.
KTA Sustainable Development Plan
KTA has been invited by PNG Sustainable Development Program to lodge a submission for funding of a Sustainable Development Plan over a three year period. An experienced consultant in sustainable tourism has been engaged by PNGSDP to assist KTA with its submission. This person is widely experienced in sustainable tourism and indigenous business developments in South West Pacific countries, and Northern Australia communities.
An awareness patrol will be conducted in February/March between Kokoda and Sogeri explaining the reason KTA was set up, the need to separate core funds from community project funds, how much money KTA needs every year to run itself, how KTA raises core funding and the cost and benefit of KTA activities to landowners, benefits to Port Moresby businesses and the tax benefit to the PNG Government. On the basis that PNGSDP funds the Sustainable Development Plan project, landowners will be able to keep a check on KTA as follows:
- Every 6 months KTA will conduct an awareness patrol and explain their expenses relative to their budget, in graphic ways that are clearly understood by community members.
- Community members are free to ask KTA about all expenses, and which budget line they are drawn from.
- Written records of budgets and actual expenses are given out, to be kept in all communities after each awareness patrol.
- KTA works with communities to develop an open and clear system to decide on community projects funding that is fair to all.
It is believed that PNGSDP board will make a decision in March upon considering the KTA submission.
KTF/KTA Strategic Plan for the Development of the Kokoda Track as a National Memorial Park and a Self-Sustaining Eco-Tourism Industry for the People of the Kokoda Track.
Refer the section above on The Kokoda Track Foundation.
KTF and KTA plan to conduct their final workshop in Port Moresby during 20-23 February 2006. On the last day of the workshop, it is proposed to hold an open forum with Tour Operators, Kokoda Track landowner leaders and other interested stakeholders to explain the outcome of the workshop and consider recommendations of the attendees. Colonel David Knaggs will then finalize the strategic plan for presentation to the KTA Board followed by presentation to the Australian and PNG governments on Anzac Day 2006.
Once approved, it will be up to KTA in conjunction with government, donor agencies, the Kokoda Track Communities and Tour/Trek Operators to implement the sustainable development plan.
KTA 2006 Budget
The KTA management committee has prepared its Budget for 2006, which has been presented to Kokoda Local-level Government for approval. The presentation to the Koiari Local-level Government will be made in January.
Total budgeted Revenue is K1.431 million, of which K450,000 is 2006 Trek Permit Fee income and over K200,000 in recovery of defaulting Tour Operators’ Trek Permit fees. Legal action in Australia and in PNG to recover such moneys has been offered by recognized travel fraud lawyers who recognize the potential of sustainable eco-tourism benefits to the Kokoda Track communities, associated businesses and the PNG economy.
Seventy percent (70%) of Trek Permit income is allocated in the budget to community development projects. There is also budgeted income from donor agencies, government and KTA fees for other provided services as well as community development projects.
KTA Upgrading of Camping Grounds
Since the KTA 2006 Budget was prepared there has been National Government counterpart funding of the 1996 Kokoda Trail Development Program through the National Cultural Commission. A total of K3.4 million has been allocated over a four year period with K1 million allocated to 2006 approved KTDP projects.
It is proposed that a large proportion of 2006 allocation be spent on improvements to existing campsites and the establishment of new camping grounds near villages and along the Track. Such would include the installation of hygienic toilet facilities, food preparation/cooking and shower blocks, reticulated water supplies and waste disposal pits.
The construction of bush material guest or rest houses would be left to the communities with advice and assistance from KTA. Each camping ground would have a caretaker responsible for the maintenance and cleanliness of each camping ground and be responsible for the collection of campsite fees or issue of simple invoices based on Tour Operator orders so that camp fees can be deposited to community bank accounts instead of cash payments in the village.
The caretaker would also be responsible for the acceptance of camping ground and guest house bookings for each trek via Kokoda Track VHF radio communication in an attempt to overcome present overbooking by tour operators and the arguments and ill feeling such practices create.
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