By DALCY LULUA
THE Papua LNG Development Forum has commenced in Port Moresby, with its formal launch scheduled for Friday (10/07/26), Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina announced yesterday.
Speaking on the progress of the forum, Mr Maladina said the Government had originally planned to launch the forum in Kerema, Gulf Province, but relocated it to Port Moresby after Cabinet approved the change due to infrastructure and logistical challenges.
The forum has been underway since Monday, bringing together stakeholders from the project area ahead of the formal presentation of the Director’s Proposal, a mandatory requirement under the Oil and Gas Act.
Mr Maladina said the proposal will be presented to stakeholders during Friday’s official launch by the Prime Minister.
Following the presentation, the forum will adjourn for seven days to allow stakeholders to return to their respective communities, consult with advisers and constituents, and review the Director’s Proposal before negotiations begin.
He said the decision to pause the forum was made on the advice of the facilitation team to ensure participants had adequate time to consider the proposal before formal discussions.
“When we return after seven days, we will begin formal discussions with the facilitators,” Mr Maladina said. “The respective tier interest parties will have the opportunity to discuss the proposal and respond to any aspects they wish to reflect on or rebut.”
The minister also sought to reassure communities in the Papua LNG project area that they would be represented throughout the development forum process.
Mr Maladina said he met yesterday with political leaders from the affected districts and provinces for several hours to address concerns about representation.
He acknowledged there had been concerns that some communities might be excluded from the process but said the Government had ensured all affected areas had a voice at the forum.
According to the minister, representation includes stakeholders from Kikori District, Kerema District and Gulf Province, as well as Kairuku District, Hiri-Koiari District and Central Province.
He urged communities not to doubt their inclusion in the negotiations, saying the Government had taken steps to
ensure all affected stakeholders were represented as discussions on project benefits and agreements move forward.