Australian tourists have been flown out from remote jungle in Papua New Guinea as a long-running dispute over the historic Kokoda Track drags on.
Officials in PNG are working to solve a dispute between landowners and the government that has caused the path to be closed indefinitely.
Thousands of Australians every year walk the historic track, the scene of bitter fighting between Australian soldiers and a Japanese invasion force in World War II, bringing valuable tourism dollars for the local economy.
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But local people at Nauro village in central PNG have constructed a barrier from logs along part of the pathway in a dispute over unpaid millions of dollars in development grants agreed to by the government.
Kokoda Track Authority acting chief executive Julius Wargirai confirmed today the path would remain closed as negotiations continue.
“The blockade of the track is due to Mount Kodu Landowner Association demanding the government to honour its commitment in paying outstanding royalties so that normal trekking can continue.”
Tour guide companies say they are updating Australian walkers about developments and advising them to leave the Kokoda Track.
Kokoda Spirit owner Wayne Wetherall said it had to cancel four treks last week and this week.
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“We are communicating with those trekkers to get them on the track ASAP.
“Regarding our upcoming treks we are very hopeful that the situation may resolve over the coming days.”
“At this stage we are not cancelling any further treks. We will continue to seek guidance and updates from the relevant authorities and advise accordingly.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is advising Australians to check with their tour companies for the latest information.
A spokesman for DFAT said it is in contact with affected Kokoda Track tour companies.
“The Australian High Commission in Port Moresby is supporting relevant PNG authorities to work with communities on a resolution.”
An estimated 625 Australian troops were killed fighting on the mountainous Kokoda Track in 1942.
Their efforts received critical support from local Papuans who carried wounded Australians to hospital and hauled ammunition and other supplies across the rugged terrain.
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