Australia has reaffirmed its enduring partnership with Papua New Guinea by providing comprehensive relief and recovery assistance following the devastation of Tropical Cyclone Maila.
Working in close coordination with the Government of PNG National Disaster Centre (NDC) and local authorities, Australia’s support includes delivery of immediate life-saving aid and the long-term restoration of essential services in the most affected regions. Key pillars include:
Emergency supplies - Australia is delivering both immediate relief and targeted assistance to affected communities. This includes nearly PGK100,000 (AUD33,000) worth of Australian relief supplies, such as emergency shelter kits, water purification tablets and hygiene kits for displaced families.
In addition, approximately PGK3 million (AUD1m) is being channelled through non-government organisations to deliver food, shelter and agricultural assistance to families in Bougainville and Milne Bay.
Food – In response to requests from Milne Bay and Bougainville due to impacts on food crops and supply chains, Australia has provided PGK715,000 (AUD230,000) worth of food supplies, including rice, sugar, cooking oil, and tinned meat.
Delivery – The Royal Australian Air Force has supported PNG in delivering critical supplies to communities in need, with the C‑27 Spartan conducting 15 flights transporting more than 45 tonnes of humanitarian supplies from Australia, the Government of PNG, and the US and UK. New Zealand has assisted with the delivery of Australian food supplies.
To ensure rapid “last mile” delivery to remote and cut-off communities, additional support has been enabled. This has occurred through the deployment of ADF and PNGDF personnel and through PNG Defence Force assets including PAC-750 aircraft under the ADF and PNGDF Flights of Excellence program, and the deployment of naval vessels HMPNGS Rochus Lokinap and Francis Agwi. Australia has also provided 30 barrels of aviation fuel to facilitate PNG’s onwards distribution.
Australia and New Zealand are also supporting the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) and the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s (ABG) efforts on last mile distribution. In response to a request from the ABG, Australia will also support shipping of humanitarian supplies to remote parts of Bougainville, particularly the Atolls region.
Expert advice – In support of the NDC’s coordination, two Australia Assists Rapid Response Team members were deployed to the NDC in Milne Bay and Bougainville. This was in addition to five longer-term Australia Assists deployees working in NDC and one in UNFPA. An Australian Defence Force liaison officer has been positioned in Alotau to support coordination with the PNGDF.
Health – Two Australian public health experts from the University of Newcastle deployed to PNG to work alongside local authorities and the World Health Organization to conduct health surveillance, help prevent outbreaks, and bolster rapid response training. Australia has delivered UNICEF medical supplies to affected provinces, with medical oxygen transported to Alotau Hospital.
Restoration and repair of local infrastructure – Emergency works to restore access at key wet crossings and along the Bougainville Trunk Road occurred immediately. In Milne Bay, crews cleared fallen trees along the Magi Highway and East Coast Road. Australia has committed PGK11.1 million (AUD3.5m) for urgent repairs and temporary restoration of roads and bridges in New Ireland Province, East New Britain Province and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville to ensure access to affected communities. Works will be delivered in partnership with the Department of Works and Highways. Contractors with existing experience in the program and a presence in affected areas will carry out the works.
Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Mr Ewen McDonald, noted that the response reflects the close and enduring partnership between our two nations.
“Australia stands with PNG during this challenging time. Our teams are working side-by-side with PNG officials to ensure that help reaches those who need it most, demonstrating our shared commitment to ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it,” he said.
“As PNG moves into the recovery phase of this disaster, we will continue to work closely and provide assistance if and when required – just as close mates do in times of need.”
ENDS
Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Mr Ewen McDonald with members of the Royal Australian Air Force and PNG Defence Force who were involved in the cyclone relief effort.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100