MORE THAN 300 Papua New Guineans travelling without visas have been turned away from Australia's northern borders in the past fortnight, to help stop the spread of a cholera outbreak into Northern Australia.

Over 30 people have died from cholera in Daru and neighbouring communities, and there are unconfirmed reports more than 100 villagers have died in other parts of the country.

Authorities have banned travel between PNG and the Torres Strait, which is usually allowed under a treaty.

While health authorities believe the situation has stabilised in Daru, concern has shifted to the spread of the disease to Australia's mainland.

Source: Radio Australia Pacific Beat, 26 November 2010