Landowners and other stakeholders for the Papua LNG project met on Tuesday, 18 August, in Port Moresby to address key issues confronting the smooth delivery of the Development Forum, following its official launching by Prime Minister James Marape on July 6, 2026.
The successful delivery of the Forum outcomes is important to the Government, affected communities, landowners and project developers, particularly in progressing the Final Investment Decision (FID) process.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the National Petroleum Authority (PA), Gulf Provincial Government (GPG), Central Provincial Government (CPG), District Development Authorities (DDAs), landowner representatives and other relevant stakeholders.
The forum was hosted by Kikori MP and Minister for Provincial and Local-Level Government Affairs Soroi Marepo Eoe at the Hilton Hotel Conference Centre in Port Moresby on Tuesday, 18 August.
It provided a platform for provincial leaders and landowner representatives to present their views and concerns, while technical and policy advisers provided guidance to ensure discussions remained aligned with national regulations.
The meeting focused on identifying immediate priorities, clarifying responsibilities and agreeing on a coordinated way forward for the Development Forum.
Minister Eoe said the dialogue was necessary to restore trust and ensure the voices of affected communities and landowners were heard.
He said the Development Forum must deliver tangible benefits to communities in Gulf and Central provinces and stressed that decisions could not be made without direct input from Baimuru and Ihu landowners.
Minister Eoe called for unity among leaders and urged provincial representatives to focus on development outcomes, saying a coordinated approach between the Government, provincial administrations and landowners was needed to address past delays.
On funding, Minister Eoe stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the allocation and use of resources.
He invited Finance Minister Thomas Opa, Acting Gulf Governor Morris Taudi and representatives from the National Petroleum Authority to attend.
However, they did not attend the open forum discussions.
Minister Eoe expressed disappointment with the National Petroleum Authority and Gulf Provincial Government for failing to work together to address issues faced by landowners of the Papua LNG project.
“This is where the issues are affecting. If you don’t come to address the landowners about what you are doing for the landowners under your authority, it is the problem,” Minister Eoe said.
Minister Eoe encouraged the landowners to remain united and focused on the long-term benefits of the project.
“We will deliver the Papua LNG project as we come together with one common goal. The benefits may not be for today, but they are for future generations,” he said.
Baimuru landowner representative Jacob Kairi raised outstanding landowner matters, the slow delivery of basic services and the need for direct consultation.
Mr. Kairi outlined community aspirations for improved infrastructure, health and education and said benefits from the Development Forum must reach the ground level.
He called for urgent matters to be prioritized in the implementation plan.
Ihu landowner representative Dominic Evere presented issues including landowner recognition, project impacts and equitable benefit sharing.
He spoke of aspirations for sustainable development and livelihood opportunities and stressed that benefits must be fair and transparent.
Mr. Evere identified matters requiring Government attention to ensure all Ihu landowners were included.
Both Mr. Kairi and Mr. Evere requested Minister Eoe and the National Government to intervene on outstanding landowner concerns, ensure proper benefit distribution and commit resources to priority projects in Baimuru and Ihu.
In response, Minister Eoe said regular dialogue between Government and landowners was essential to build trust and ensure development goals were achieved in partnership with the people.
“We brought all stakeholders together to get a clear update, address key issues, and ensure decisions are made transparently for the benefit of the people,” Minister Eoe said.
Minister Eoe reaffirmed his commitment to informing the public, saying the principal outcomes would be released to the media this week to ensure citizens understand what was agreed and who is responsible for the next steps.