PNG’s Minister for Culture and Tourism, Charles Abel, has expressed concern over potential damage to the Kokoda Track if mining activities by Frontier Resources Ltd proceed.

He has urged other government departments including Mining, Forestry, Inter-Government Relations, and Environment and Conservation to take a holistic approach towards developing the 96km track, a PNG tourism icon.

“I cannot stress enough the significance of the Kokoda Track in terms of the historical ties between our country and Australia and its long term economic values as a world class track. It must be preserved for future generations,” Mr Abel said.

The Australian government has offered to inject $15 million to support initiatives to protect the track and improve its management.