25 April 2015
Torokina welcomes the Royal Australian Navy
Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS BENALLA visited Torokina, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, from 22-24 April to assess the beach’s capacity to handle equipment moved from ships offshore to onshore locations to support Operation Render Safe.
BENALLA, along with HMAS SHEPPARTON, has been conducting hydrographical survey operations in Bougainville in preparation for Operation Render Safe.
The Australian Defence Force’s Operation Render Safe is a regional program to remove unexploded bombs, weapons and ammunition remaining from World War Two.
The Australian Defence Force is conducting Operation Render Safe in Torokina in 2014 at the request of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG).
Mr Steven Suako, Member for Torokina in the ABG House of Representatives, has again welcomed the Australian Defence Force’s conduct of Operation Render Safe in Torokina.
This came following a visit on board BENALLA.
Mr Suako spoke to Commanding Officer of BENALLA LCDR Mick Rigby and observed survey operations. Mr Suako said “this gave me a clearer picture of what the operation will be in terms of disposing unexploded ordnance which will help my people in future developments.”
He further stated “this is an opportunity for the people of Torokina and Bougainville as a whole to have updated maritime charts which will help commercial shipping in the future when the opportunity arises. The old chart is out-dated and the new charts will help the ADF to carry out the operation smoothly.”
Chairman of Banoni Baboi Council of Elders in Torokina District Steven Nibo also participated in the tour of the ship. He said “Firstly, I want to commend the ABG for requesting the Australian Defence Force and also the other countries who will be participating in disposing of the unexploded ordnances in Torokina.
“Many people have already lost their lives when unexploded ordnance has exploded and killed them while working in their gardens. I, as CoE Chairman, really support this operation to go ahead as planned because it will make our place safer for activities the people and the government are planning to do for this generation and the generation to come.”
The two RAN ships have now completed their survey operations and will return to Australia. The results of these surveys will be shared with the PNG National Maritime Safety Authority and the ABG Government to provide accurate charts of Autonomous Region of Bougainville waters.