The Gulf Provincial Government has taken a firm stance ahead of upcoming negotiations on the Papua LNG project, demanding a 95-5 split share at the state level and calling for immediate action on critical funding and welfare issues.

Acting Governor Morris Taudevin outlined these key positions during the Papua LNG Development Forum held on Tuesday, 15 September, at the Rita Flynn Indoor complex, in Port Moresby.

Taudevin stressed that Gulf Province’s position was developed through extensive consultations with affected landowners and communities, not unilaterally decided in Port Moresby. These consultations concluded just last week, ensuring that the province’s stance accurately reflects the voices of those communities directly impacted by the project.

Drawing on past resource development experiences, particularly the PNG LNG project, Taudevin highlighted the importance of avoiding previous mistakes.

Taudevin emphasized that the province’s core principles are very clear.

“No pipeline policy. The pipeline must not be routed through Gulf Province unless accompanied by guarantees of benefits and safeguards.”

“No repetition of past mistakes. The province insists on avoiding delays, unmet promises, and inadequate community participation that marred previous projects like the PNG LNG.”

“Maximum benefit for the people. Development must lead to tangible improvements in infrastructure, health, education, and economic opportunities for Gulf communities,” stated Taudevin.

He stressed that these principles are non-negotiable, and the province’s technical assessment supports a 95-5 split share at the state level as its fair and justified position.

“This figure is final and represents a key component of the province’s comprehensive stance,” said Taudevin.

A major concern raised at the forum was the chronic lack of funding and welfare support from the national government and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). Despite a three-month extension granted for Gulf Landowners to conduct consultations, they have yet to receive the K30 million Kina in delayed funding promised to facilitate participation in the process.

This shortfall has led to inconsistent allowances and payments to landowners, disruptions in meals and accommodation at project camps, lack of clear protocols for medical care, referrals, and emergency responses and reports of deaths and ongoing illnesses among participants.

The Gulf Acting Governor condemned these issues as violations of human dignity and governance standards. He stressed that the lack of proper support devalues the participation of landowners and communities, undermining the credibility of the entire forum.

Before submitting its formal position, paper or allowing further stakeholder presentations, Taudevin demanded concrete, on-the-record commitments from the NPA and national government, including, immediate release of the K30 million Kina in outstanding funding, clear welfare arrangements covering allowances, accommodations, meals, and health services.

The Acting Governor made it plain and clear that the province would not proceed with formal submissions or further engagement until these fundamental needs are addressed. The province’s willingness to negotiate remains, but only under fair, transparent, and properly resourced conditions.

Taudevin challenged national leaders and project facilitators, emphasizing that a project of such national importance must be adequately funded by the national government.

He questioned why, despite directives from the Prime Minister, funds had not been released and criticized the Minister for Kerema and Finance Minister, Thomas Opa, for withholding support.

He further argued that the unresolved issues threaten to turn the forum into a source of frustration rather than a genuine development opportunity.

While reaffirming Gulf Province’s readiness to collaborate on the Papua LNG project, Taudevin emphasized that this commitment is conditional on fair treatment, inclusive processes, and transparency.

“Gulf province stands prepared to work with the national government, project proponents, and stakeholders, but only if partnership is reciprocal,” concluded Acting Governor, Taudevin.

The message was clear that Gulf Province will not move forward without tangible responses on funding and welfare support. The success of the forum and the project depends not only on agreements but on how well the people involved are treated and respected.