- The Hon Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence
- The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for International Development and the Pacific
The Australian Government will provide a further package of support to assist the Papua New Guinea-led recovery response to the devastating landslide in Enga Province.
Announced during a visit to the site of the landslide in Mulitaka with PNG Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph and Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, the additional support will help restore essential services in the province including local infrastructure, healthcare and education.
Road access is critical for essential services as well as food and fuel supply chains. The additional support of $2 million announced today is in response to PNG's request to restore connectivity of the Highlands Highway - the transport artery of the region.
We will provide $220,000 for health services at the Mulitaka Health Centre and the Pokolip Health Post, including equipment and supplies for essential maternal health services, that will help to reopen delivery rooms at both centres.
Australia will also provide 1,170 learning packs for children through our Partnerships for Improved Education program
These investments build on Australia's initial assistance of $2.5 million for emergency supplies, support for humanitarian partners and the deployment of technical experts including a Disaster Assistance Response Team.
We acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of local authorities including the Enga Provincial Administration and the PNG Defence Force in leading PNG's disaster response.
Australia and Papua New Guinea are close neighbours, friends and equals.
We stand ready to provide further assistance to the people and Government of Papua New Guinea.
