Australian tourists have recently raised concerns over extra fees being charged at two Kokoda Track memorials.
An Australian Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman said both PNG and Australian governmen’s had sorted the issue and that the landowners had agreed to drop charges. However, fences remain at Isavura, with up to K50 demanded for access.
Local landowner Martin Liva told the Sydney Morning Herald that the Australian and PNG governmen’s have done nothing for his village for 12 years. He said the money, which is charged to trekkers to access the war memorial in Isavura, goes towards the village.
Papua New Guinea’s Kokoda Track Authority is a government-commissioned body tasked to manage and maintain the Kokoda track for tourists, as well as improve and ensure the wellbeing of communities living along the Track. The authority receives over K300 per trekker, a percentage of which is meant for special community projects.
