PNG and Australia launch new phase of Incentive Fund

Australia and Papua New Guinea have launched phase IV of the Incentive Fund grants program.

The AU$72 million program will provide opportunities for a wide range of high performing organisations to compete for direct funding for development projects.

Minister for National Planning Charles Abel and Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, Ms Deborah Stokes, announced the opening of the first round of grants at the Boroko Primary School in Port Moresby.

“The Incentive Fund supports well-managed organisations to access funding for innovative projects that have a strong development impact for the men, women and children of Papua New Guinea,” Ms Stokes said.

“Church organisations, education and health institutions, and research bodies have been beneficiaries and will remain important partners for Incentive Fund projects under the new phase of the program.

“For the first time the Incentive Fund will be able to accept proposals from the private sector. This recognises the significant development role that many companies already play in PNG in areas such as health and education, and the opportunities to work together with the private sector to achieve improved development outcomes.”

Mr Abel said the Fund is an important vehicle for supporting infrastructure development in PNG.

“Infrastructure development is one of the main priorities of the Government of Papua New Guinea. Since the year 2000, the Fund has built about K350 million worth of infrastructure in PNG to improve development outcomes in health, education, rural development and the status of women,” Mr Abel said.

“Our Government is working closely with the Australian Government and other development partners to improve the focus and impact of the generous assistance provided. The Incentive Fund is an existing modality under the Australian Government programs and a good example of the kind of support we are after.”

There will be a number of opportunities to apply for a grant under the Incentive Fund. The first opportunity is open now with applications due by 30 July 2015.

An Incentive Fund roadshow will commence shortly and visit 10 provinces to raise awareness of the program and the process for participating. Information on eligibility and criteria for funding can be found at www.png.highcommission.gov.au