By GINNAH MINI
The Gulf Provincial Government (GPG) has welcomed the Papua LNG Development Forum initiative and affirms its commitment to work cooperatively with the National Government, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), development partners, Central Province and customary landowners.
Speaking at the launching of the Papua LNG Development Forum at APEC House, Mr. Taudevin said that the people of Gulf have waited many years for this project and they seek long- economic growth, quality infrastructure, improvement of education system and health services, employment opportunities from local businesses, environment stewardship that will improve the lives of the people.
He said that this initiative signals the collective commitment to undertake a structured, transparent and inclusive Development Forum process that respects the rights, interests and aspiration of the landowners.
“The Gulf Provincial Government will undertake a provincial pre-development forum for the next three to four weeks,” Mr. Taudevin said.
“The purpose of this process is to educate and consult our stakeholders through out the province, including our LLGs, customary landowners, community leaders and other key stakeholders, so that everyone has a clear understanding of the proposed Development Forum agenda and the issues before us.”
Mr. Taudevin said that he believes that is the appropriate process as decisions of this magnitude must be informed by meaningful consultation, consensus and collective aspiration of the people.
The Acting Governor has also requested National Government and NPA to release the funds needed by the Gulf Provincial Government to undertake the pre-development forum and all associated preparatory activities.
“This support will enable the province to conduct awareness program, stakeholder consultations, technical workshops, logistics, administration, transport, accommodation, administration, communications, security coordination and other operational requirements necessary to ensure a successful and well-coordinated Development Forum process,” he said.
Mr. Taudevin has encouraged the NPA to strengthen communication and information dissemination throughout the process.
“With regular engagement, timely information and close coordination with Gulf Provincial administration will build confidence amongst our people and ensure that all stakeholders clearly understand the process that we take and the National Government takes respectively,” he said.
He said that the development forum is for the people whose land and livelihood are directly affected, so the GPG should be involved in coordinating and facilitating this process alongside the National Government.