Kokoda Track Safety Package - Activities
The safety activities included in the PNG-Australian Government Kokoda Safety Package are described below. These important projects were identified through technical studies, including the Kokoda Track Transport Study completed in August 2009, and through consultations with the Kokoda Track Authority, local communities and the Kokoda tourism industry.
Airstrips
Kokoda airstrip
The Kokoda Safety Package includes a number of actions to assist in improving the condition of the airstrip and in mitigating the risks associated with flying to and from Kokoda.
These include:
- The clearing of the Kokoda airstrip back to its original published length (855m) and the ongoing maintenance of the strip to ensure it is clear of obstacles
- The construction of a new terminal building at Kokoda airstrip to act as a waiting area and house equipment such as weigh scales. This will include relocating the terminal to the other side of the strip and building a new access road to avoid people crossing the strip to access the shelter.
- Installation of equipment such as safety cones and markers and a windsock.
- Examining the feasibility and usefulness of developing an instrument approach for take-off and landing at Kokoda. This will involve working with the PNG and Australian Air Services to investigate instrument systems which could be used when approaching the Kokoda strip.
- Installation of an Automated Weather Information Broadcaster which will enable up-to-date information on weather conditions at Kokoda to be sent to aircraft en route to and from Port Moresby and other locations.
- Installing a discrete VHF frequency to provide clear transmission between Port Moresby and Kokoda.
Mount Koiari airstrips
- Through Tranche 1 of the Safety Package, we are installing marker cones and windsocks and undertaking maintenance at these airstrips, which will assist charter planes, helicopters and medical evacuation flights to more safely use the strips.
- Following the suspension of regular flights to these strips, the two governments are working together to determine what measures, if any, can be undertaken to improve the condition of the airstrips.
Roads and bridges
- The upgrade of the Owers' Corner Road to all-weather gravel has significant benefits for local communities and for transporting trekkers between the southern end of the Kokoda Track and the capital, Port Moresby.
- A new vehicle route will also be constructed at the top end of the Track between the Kokoda airstrip and the nearby hospital. This will help to ensure access between the airstrip and hospital.
- The roads in this area are regularly cut off by flooding, so Tranche 2 funds will also be spent on reinforcing creek bank levies to prevent regular flooding of the Kokoda Station road.
Creek Crossings
- Improving safety at creek crossings along the track is an important item which has benefits for both communities and trekkers. Priority crossings which require safety improvements, and what sort of improvements are appropriate, will be identified by the Kokoda Track Authority in consultation with the trekking industry and local communities.
Communications
- Radio equipment along the Track will be maintained and new radios and charging stations installed to help to ensure trekking groups and communities can communicate with each other and back to base, such as to the Kokoda Track Authority or other hubs in Port Moresby.
Health and Safety - Trekking
- Research will be undertaken through a partnership between the Kokoda Track Authority and Adventure Medicine into some of the health risks associated with trekking.
- See www.adventuremedicine.net for more information.
- Two rounds of first aid training for porters and guides will be subsidised through the safety package.
- Funding will also go towards assisting industry partners including tour operators to develop appropriate and consistent pre-departure safety information for trekkers, such as travel kits and web content.
Unexploded Ordnance
- The Australian and PNG Governments are looking into undertaking a preliminary survey of unexploded ordnance along the Kokoda Track.
- See the downloadable Safety Package factsheet
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