By GINNAH MINI
The Papua LNG Development Forum was launched today-which gathered representatives and landowners from the affected areas of Central and Gulf Province and it was aimed to reach a benefit sharing agreement of the Papua LNG project through negotiation process.
Speaking at the launching at APEC House, Minister for Petroleum, Jimmy Maladina, said that the Papua LNG project is a nationally significant project for the country and the people, and it is important that certain project milestones are delivered, such as the development forum, to progress the Project forward.
“Papua LNG remains one of the most important resource developments for Papua New Guinea, with significant potential to support economic growth, employment, business opportunities, government revenue, and investor confidence,” Minister Maladina said.
“Social and landowner aspects of work have been progressed since 2021, with project sites field visits resulting in Ministerial Determinations of landowner beneficiary clans in 2023 and 2026.”
Minister Maladina clarified that the Development Forum is a legal process under the Oil and Gas Act and it is not a political exercise.
He added that the purpose of the Forum is to bring together the affected parties identified under the law, including the representatives of Project Area Landowners (PALO), State, project proponents, Provincial Governments, Local-level Governments.
“The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has been progressing the regulatory work required for this project, including license administration, social mapping and landowner identification matters, landowner verification, public notices, stakeholder awareness, and preparations for the Development Forum,” Minister Maladina said.
Minister Maladina added that through the landowner identification and verification, 239 clans were identified and added that he has had consultations with senior ministers regarding the missed-out clans from both provinces.
“The Development Forum is not about total exclusion from benefits sharing; there are options to look into to address the aspirations of our people,” he said.
“We have a timeline of 60 days for the development forum. It is being launched here in Port Moresby and we intend to do the Development Agreement signing in Kerema, as part of the approved by NEC decision.”
Minister Maladina has urged all stakeholders to work with the State, NPA and each other to avoid misinformation, confusion and unnecessary disruption.