The Australian Government has announced a $1.8 billion deal to build a 600km road through one of the last remaining large tracts of untouched rainforest in Papua New Guinea. The project, backed by Australian company Epoca and its PNG-based partners, will see millions of trees cut down and vast areas of land cleared for agriculture and mining.

The Deal and Its Implications

The deal was signed in late October, with the Western Province Government, the national government, and provincial government all receiving shares in the project. However, concerns have been raised about the lack of transparency around the agreement, which has not been made public. Advocates are now calling for more information about the $1.8 billion project.

According to sources within the PNG Forest Authority, the project developers ignored their advice and rushed through the regulatory process without completing the necessary work under the Forestry Act. The Department of Commerce and Industry was also involved in the negotiations, despite not being responsible for road construction or logging.

Environmental Concerns

The project area is home to some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, with vast tracts of untouched rainforest, pristine rivers, and unique wildlife. However, the project’s environmental impact will be significant, with millions of trees expected to be cut down and vast areas of land cleared for agriculture and mining.

The Governor of Western Province, Taboi Awi Yoto, has stated that the project is a “homegrown” initiative designed to “change the way forestry operations have been happening in Western Province”. However, critics argue that it will have devastating consequences for the environment and local communities.

Opposition and Calls for Transparency

Former PNG prime minister and current opposition member Peter O’Neill has called for a detailed investigation of the project. “Who’s making money out of this? We don’t know,” he told the ABC. “But the independent investigations will certainly reveal that.”

O’Neill also stated that the project area is very sparsely populated and communities would be better serviced by planes and boats, rather than a 600km road.

The Developers’ Response

Epoca director Maggiolo declined an interview with the ABC but confirmed Harsley was involved in the company’s venture. However, Harsley did not respond to repeated attempts by the ABC to contact him.

The Western Province Government has also been tight-lipped about the project, despite being heavily involved in the negotiations. Governor Awi Yoto refused to comment on the project when approached by the ABC.

A Homegrown Initiative?

Despite the Governor’s claims that the project is a “homegrown” initiative, critics argue that it will have disastrous consequences for the environment and local communities. The project area is one of the last remaining large tracts of untouched rainforest in Papua New Guinea, and its destruction will irreparably harm the country’s biodiversity.

The Australian Government’s decision to back this deal is a clear example of its priorities: profits over people and the planet. As O’Neill said, “It is certainly not a sort of development that is aimed at providing services and uplifting [the] standard of living for our people.”

In conclusion, the $1.8 billion Epoca project is a catastrophic deal that will have devastating consequences for Papua New Guinea’s environment and local communities. The Australian Government must be held accountable for its role in backing this deal, and the people of PNG deserve a say in what happens to their country.