MEDIA RELEASE
30 August 2006
For immediate release
AUSTRALIA AND OK TEDI MINING SIGN MAJOR AGREEMENT TO HELP WESTERN PROVINCE
Australia and Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) signed a major agreement today to help communities in Western Province develop a sustainable future.
The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and OTML signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby.
The MOU aims to ensure that the people of Western Province can sustain their livelihoods once the Ok Tedi mine ceases to operate around 2012.
It commits ACIAR and OTML to develop the agriculture, fisheries and forestry resources of the Western Province through joint research projects.
Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, Mr Michael Potts, said: “This MOU reflects the commitment of the Australian Government to Papua New Guinea and the long-term relationship between our two countries.”
“It should help deliver food security and generate income for the people of the Western Province and as such it is to be welcomed.”
Mr Robin Moaina, the General Manager of Corporate relations at OTML, said: “OTML is committed to finding ways of ensuring the communities of the Western Province can sustain their livelihoods once the mine ceases to operate. This MOU with ACIAR is an important part of that commitment.”
Under the MOU ACIAR will provide Australian technical expertise and funding while OTML will negotiate land and resources for research and development and establish a network of farmers throughout the Province to trial projects.
The MOU is in line with the aims of the provincial development plan, WESTERN PROVINCE 2010, and the PNG Government’s Medium Term Development Strategy.
It is also a formal recognition of an existing public-private partnership between ACIAR and OTML as well as a framework for future cooperation.
Media Inquiries: Dr Jacqui Wright, ACIAR Country Manager, Ph: 325 9333 ext 299, Email: [email protected]