Australia has strengthened Papua New Guinea’s capacity to monitor and respond to earthquakes through the handover of specialist equipment under the LaeShakeAware project.
The equipment was transported from Australia aboard Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Reliant and formally handed over at Lae Port on Saturday.
The equipment will strengthen PNG’s ability to monitor earthquake hazards, access information faster and improve decision-making during emergencies, particularly in Morobe Province.
The LaeShakeAware project is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and led by Geoscience Australia in partnership with the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT), Mineral Resources Authority, Morobe Provincial Disaster Office and local communities.
The project is focused on strengthening earthquake monitoring, disaster preparedness and community safety across Morobe Province.
Australia’s Consul-General in Lae, Brenton Kanowski, said the handover demonstrated Australia’s commitment to working with PNG to strengthen resilience against natural disasters.
“Papua New Guinea is one of the most seismically active countries in the world,” Mr Kanowski said.
“Through LaeShakeAware, Australia is supporting PNG institutions and communities with the tools, knowledge and partnerships needed to better understand earthquake risk and respond effectively when disasters occur.”
The new equipment will form part of a community-based seismic monitoring network designed to provide more timely local information following earthquake events.
The information will help disaster managers assess impacts and prioritise assistance to affected communities.
PNGUoT Vice Chancellor Professor Ora Rengai OL OBE welcomed the handover, saying the project demonstrated the benefits of cooperation between universities, government agencies, communities and technical partners.
“This LaeShakeAware initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when universities, government agencies, communities and technical partners work together,” Professor Rengai said.
He said the equipment would strengthen PNG’s research and monitoring capabilities while supporting the development of future scientists.
He also said the project would help ensure scientific information was translated into practical action that benefits communities.
The handover is part of Australia’s broader support for PNG through Geoscience Australia, which works with PNG institutions to strengthen disaster risk management, build local technical capacity and improve access to scientific information.
The arrival of ADV Reliant in Lae also coincides with the presence of HMAS Leeuwin, which is supporting joint PNG Defence Force and Australian Defence Force activities in the city.
The engagements highlight the broader PNG-Australia partnership in disaster preparedness, capability development, security and resilience.
The LaeShakeAware project links scientific monitoring, data, decision-making and communities to strengthen PNG’s preparedness and reduce the risks posed by earthquakes and other natural hazards.