Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

1. The Sustainable Livelihoods Project aims to increase the capacity of Kokoda Track communities to generate income from tourism by adding value to the trekking experience. It has included activities such as a study exploring issues of demand and supply and labour availability; three Pilot Projects in 2010-11; and activities undertaken in 2011-12 developed with reference to the outcomes of the Pilot Projects.

2. The Sustainable Livelihoods project was a joint initiative of the Australian and Papua New Guinean governments under the Kokoda Initiative.

3. The Kokoda Track Foundation was engaged to undertake a study on the Sustainable Livelihoods Project following a formal Request For Quote process undertaken by the former Australian Government Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

The Australian Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities entered into a funding agreement with the Kokoda Track Authority, a Special Purposes Authority of the Kokoda and Koiari Local-level Government, in 2010 to deliver activities under the Kokoda Initiative, including Sustainable Livelihoods activities.

4. Objectives for the Livelihoods Project are to:

5. $452,205 AUD.

6. Increased the capacity of Kokoda Track communities to generate income from tourism by adding value to the trekking experience.

7. Yes.

8. a. The Sustainable Livelihoods Project is delivered by the Kokoda Track Authority on behalf of the Kokoda Initiative. The Australian Government is aware that the Kokoda Track Authority held workshops in the Northern (Oro) Province between 2009 and 2012, however questions regarding the specific details of the consultations should be directed to the Kokoda Track Authority.

b. The Australian Government is aware that the Kokoda Track Authority held workshops in the Central Province between 2009 and 2012, however questions regarding the specific details of the consultations should be directed to the Kokoda Track Authority.

9. A Livelihoods Officer from the Kokoda Track Authority was present to help facilitate all workshops and technical experts and consultants were engaged as appropriate to assist. Further questions about these workshops should be directed to the Kokoda Track Authority.

10. Questions regarding the specific details of the consultations should be directed to the Kokoda Track Authority.

11. Questions regarding the specific details of the consultations should be directed to the Kokoda Track Authority.