Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea (PNG) Mr. John Feakes reaffirmed Australia’s longstanding partnership with Western Province today by launching the 5-year Development Plan to support for a sustainable and inclusive development in the province. The partnership is guided by the PNG-Australia Western Province Strategy (2022-2030) signed in December 2022. Since its signing, Australia has supported numerous projects as improving water security in South Fly District, upgrade of the Bosset Health Center in Middle Fly, the Daru Port and progress major infrastructure projects, that is under the Strategy of PNG and Australia working together on shared priorities to support human development, economic development, enabling infrastructure, security and stability. Mr. Feakes joined by the Acting Prime Minister Solan Mirisim, Chief Justice Sir Gibuna Gibbs Salika, Defense Minister Dr Billy Joseph, Minister for Energy Thomas Opa, Minister for Mining Wake Goi, Minister for Livestock Sekie Agisa, the Member for Delta Fly Agena Gamai, the Member for North Fly James Donald. Also present was the Western Province Governor, Taboi Awi Yoto and other dignitaries as well at the launch of the province’s new integrated development plan titled "Reviewing and Charting Our Development Pathway", and four district development plans. Mr. Feakes emphasized in his remarks on Australia’s deep historic and cultural ties with the people and communities of Western Province and the flourishing modern partnership. “Australia’s investment in Western Province is at an all-time high extending across health, education, agriculture, law and justice and infrastructure among other sectors. My commitment today is that you can continue to rely on Australia for support. We share your values and aspirations. We are here for the long term in the spirit of genuine partnership.” Speaking at the launch, Governor Yoto said that the launching of the 5-star year Development Plan of the province and the 4 District plan is an important event as it will provide the pathways to where we want to be in the ensuing years. “It is to also strategically align our development aspirations of the province to the greater National Development goals and the vision for the country. Most importantly to provide the directions for our 16 LLGs, the 4 Districts, the Provincial Government, the National Government and all our development partners to subscribe to a plan when prioritizing resource allocation for the development of Western Province,” said the governor. The partnership extends across Australia’s development investment as well as a broad range of Australian Government agencies such as the Australian Federal Police, Australia’s Border Force and Australia Defense Force in collaboration with the provincial and district governments with other donors and partners to capitalize on local knowledge and maximize outcomes for the communities in the province.