Australia and Papua New Guinea have strengthened their cooperation on road planning, maintenance, and climate resilience following an Australian Government-supported study tour in Far North Queensland.

The initiative brought seven senior officials from PNG’s Department of Works and Highways (DoWH) to the region to re-establish a historical twinning relationship with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).

This visit revitalized a long-term collaboration originally established under a 2012 Memorandum of Understanding that had formally lapsed in 2016.

Led by TMR District Director for Far North Mr. Darryl Jones, the delegation engaged in technical briefings and field visits demonstrating how Queensland manages road networks in tropical environments, focusing on practical responses to extreme weather and challenging terrain.

The officials also visited James Cook University to explore how emerging technologies, data analytics, and artificial intelligence can optimize infrastructure planning and climate resilience.

Department of Works and Highways Secretary Gibson Holemba praised the initiative stating that the study tour gave the engineers direct exposure on how road systems operate in environments similar to Papua New Guinea.

“The lessons and partnerships developed through this program will help us apply practical solutions that keep roads open and communities connected.”

Furthermore, through these ongoing efforts, Australia remains committed to partnering with PNG to deliver climate-resilient transport infrastructure that improves vital access to services, markets, and economic opportunities.