Papua LNG landowners demand grant before forum

The Papua LNG Project-impacted landowners are demanding that the government, through the Petroleum Ministry, immediately release the outstanding business development grant before hosting the Development Forum.

They are currently objecting the hosting of the forum in Kerema town given the deteriorating state of the existing infrastructure.

The landowners say they were not properly consulted.

Landowner for Muro Ihu Dominic Evere outlined this in a protest before handing over a petition to the Petroleum Ministry in Port Moresby today.

Acting Gas Office Director at the Petroleum Ministry, Peter Koim, told the landowners that a proper dialogue needs to be established between both parties.

The landowners have issued a seven-day ultimatum, calling on the Petroleum Ministry to formally respond to their concerns.

Their petition was received by Raphael Utulo, the Papua LNG Project Team Lead, on behalf of the petroleum minister and the Acting Managing Director.