PANAUST Partnership: Planning for change in remote North-Western Papua New Guinea
with the goal of helping local communities to develop sustainable socio-economic
livelihoods that will continue beyond the life of the mine.
In November 2016 two long-time ABV volunteers Christina Raddatz and Anthony
Sim, choppered into the Frieda River region of Papua New Guinea (PNG) for
a three-week scoping assignment. In this mountainous and remote area in
the north-west of the country, PanAust is currently in the pre-development phase of
its Frieda River Copper-Gold Project.
As part of its community outreach process, PanAust is working closely with the local
landowners so that they are included in, and benefit from, the project. Anthony
and Christina’s role was to undertake a preliminary assessment of the potential for small business development projects focused on assisting landowners in villages close to the Project.
Over a very busy three weeks the two volunteers visited 12 separate villages conducting meetings and interviews with community leaders. The result was a report on the prospects for small business
development in the communities within the project area. The report includes information about potential business opportunities, existing business facilities in the area as well as recommendations
about business training requirements.
The Frieda River Copper-Gold Project is still in the planning stages and is yet to be approved by the PNG authorities. However, if and when the project goes ahead, this report will be a valuable
tool when working with PanAust on the design of a long-term community development plan.
“Money is like your child, you look after
it, help it to grow until it is able to look
after itself.”
Abris Kabilengim, Women’s Community Leader,
Ok Isai,West Sepik Province PNG, 4 December 2016
Source/Photo: ABV: Read more on http://www.abv.org.au/
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