HIRI KOIARI MP CALLS FOR FAIR PAPUA LNG BENEFITS

CAPTION: HIRI Koiari MP Keith Iduhu

BY RICKY ISRAEL

HIRI Koiari MP Keith Iduhu is calling for a fairer share of benefits from the Papua LNG project for the communities and provinces hosting the development.

Speaking at the Papua LNG Development Forum yesterday, Mr Iduhu said the project has the potential to deliver lasting benefits in health, education and infrastructure.

He said Central Province supports the project, but wants a fair distribution of project benefits.

Mr Iduhu proposed that 60 percent of the benefits go to the upstream and midstream project areas, while 40 percent goes to the downstream district and plant area.

He said hosting the project will place pressure on land, roads, schools, health services and other public infrastructure.

Mr Iduhu also called for provincial and district governments to have a greater role in deciding how tax credit projects are delivered.

He said the goal is to ensure fairness, accountability and long term benefits for communities affected by Papua LNG.