AGP Executive Report

World Cup in Port Moresby: Police are stepping up security as the Kumuls face Lebanon and the Orchids meet France at Santos National Football Stadium today. Officials are urging fans to keep the peace and welcome visiting teams. Drought Relief: The first Australian air force delivery of food and water has reached Tabubil for North Fly communities hit by failing gardens and drying water sources. A further 240 tonnes of supplies are being sent by barge. Transport Costs: The ICCC has brought forward approved fare increases following a sharp rise in fuel prices; the maximum urban PMV fare in Port Moresby is K1.60. Papua LNG: ExxonMobil has taken over as project operator, with the co-venturers aiming for a final investment decision later this year. Court Ruling: The National Court dismissed a K612 million counterclaim against former Kumul Petroleum chief Wapu Sonk; his claim for damages is yet to be determined. Morobe Businesses: Sixty-two entrepreneurs have completed US-funded training in bookkeeping, quality control and reaching new markets.

World Cup Weekend: Port Moresby hosts the Kumuls against Lebanon and the Orchids against France on Saturday, with police promising a strong security presence. Papua LNG: ExxonMobil has taken over as operator, as partners work toward a final investment decision later this year. Transport Fares: The ICCC has brought forward approved fare rises after fuel costs jumped; maximum urban PMV fares include K1.60 in Port Moresby and Kokopo, K1.50 in Lae and K1.30 in Mt Hagen. Court Ruling: The National Court dismissed a K612 million counterclaim against former Kumul Petroleum chief Wapu Sonk and ruled on liability in his favour; damages will be dealt with later. Morobe Business: Sixty-two entrepreneurs completed US-funded training in bookkeeping, quality control and reaching new markets. Women’s Football: Mommers FC will make its first national women’s league grand final appearance against defending champions Hekari on Saturday. Regional Policing: PNG police chief David Manning was elected inaugural chair of the new Pacific Community of Policing.

Security: Police seized high-powered weapons and explosives in the Southern Highlands as MPs called for violent criminal groups to be declared terrorist organisations. Prime Minister James Marape also ordered tougher patrols along the Highlands Highway. Energy: ExxonMobil has taken over as operator of the Papua LNG project, with a final investment decision targeted for later this year. Economy: Parliament passed capital-markets legislation 76–0, which the government says will help attract investment and grow the economy. Tourism: MRDC urged greater investment to diversify PNG beyond mining and petroleum, while regional tourism leaders called for closer Pacific cooperation. World Cup: Lebanon’s Cedars arrive in Port Moresby for Saturday’s clash with PNG, with a large home crowd expected. Regional policing: Police chiefs appointed PNG Commissioner David Manning to lead the newly established Pacific Community of Policing. Cost of living: A new report says people in PNG and Solomon Islands must work more than four days to afford a basic basket of food staples.

World Cup at Home: Papua New Guinea’s Kumuls host Lebanon in Port Moresby on Saturday, with veteran Rhyse Martin leading the side. The Orchids also open their campaign at home, facing France as coach Craig Sandercock vows a determined performance. Election Watch: Electoral Commissioner Nicole Haley says legal questions over boundaries could leave voters in six proposed new electorates without a vote in 2027. Security: Police say a Poroma raid uncovered C-4 explosives, six firearms and ammunition as they pursue suspects linked to a suspected criminal network. Papua LNG: ExxonMobil has taken over operatorship of the project, which faces a December 15 deadline to reach a final investment decision. PNG-Fiji Trade: The two countries’ business councils want to help PNG firms grow exports, especially coffee, and narrow a K15 million trade gap.

Rugby League World Cup: The tournament opens today across Australia, New Zealand and PNG, with Port Moresby set to host the Kumuls against Lebanon and the Orchids against France on Saturday. Luca Moretti makes his Kumuls debut, while veteran Jack de Belin hopes a strong campaign will secure him an NRL deal. El Niño Response: MPs say districts cannot access disaster relief funds because payment instructions conflict. North Fly also faces supply shortages as the drying Fly River leaves vessels stranded; the government says a permanent disaster authority proposal is nearing Cabinet. Climate and Statehood: PNG warned the UN that its sea-level rise declaration falls short on protections for vulnerable Pacific nations, saying weak language shifts the cost of consensus onto those most at risk. Tourism: A Port Moresby summit urged greater investment in tourism, highlighting the sector’s potential to support local businesses and communities beyond the country’s reliance on minerals.

North Fly Relief: A 500-tonne aid shipment cannot reach North Fly as the drying Fly River leaves boats stranded and no aircraft available. Disaster Services Minister Billy Joseph says a proposal for a permanent National Emergency Authority is nearing Cabinet. El Niño Emergency: Milne Bay faces severe water shortages on outer islands, crop losses and bushfires, with officials warning conditions could worsen. World Cup at Home: The Kumuls open their campaign against Lebanon in Port Moresby, while the Orchids prepare to face France on Saturday. Climate Protection: PNG warned the UN’s sea-level rise declaration falls short on protections for vulnerable Pacific nations, including statehood, maritime boundaries and climate finance. Power and Tourism: After the Ramu Grid upgrade, Prime Minister James Marape called for private investment in new electricity generation. Tourism leaders are targeting K3.6 billion in annual output by 2028 and seeking incentives for local operators.

Seismic Activity: Two earthquakes struck near New Britain and Kokopo, with reported magnitudes of 5.7 and 5.1. Rugby League World Cup: The Kumuls open their campaign against Lebanon at Port Moresby’s Santos National Football Stadium on Saturday, with Samoa also set to play in the capital next week. Public Safety: Police seized rifles, weapon parts and firearm-making equipment in Gerehu, arresting a man suspected of coordinating an international smuggling operation. In Porgera, a security operation followed tribal violence that killed nine people; police say 24 men were arrested and two armed suspects died. Transport: Police arrested and charged 36 PMV drivers and crew over alleged unlawful fare increases in Port Moresby. Election Readiness: East Sepik Governor Alan Bird is calling for urgent action over reported boundary errors affecting more than half of PNG’s parliamentary seats. Tourism: Port Moresby is hosting delegates for the 68th APEC Tourism Working Group meeting.

Porgera Security: Police say 24 men have been arrested and two armed suspects killed in an operation following tribal violence that left nine people dead and homes destroyed in Enga. World Cup Build-up: Papua New Guinea opens its Rugby League World Cup campaign against Lebanon in Port Moresby on October 17, with the Orchids also hosting France. Election Readiness: The Electoral Commission has warned of staffing risks ahead of the 2027 polls: 33 of 105 established posts are vacant and 12 staff have passed compulsory retirement age. Haze and Health: Fires in Indonesia’s South Papua region are sending smoke towards PNG; residents report breathing problems and irritated eyes as thousands of hotspots remain difficult to control. Papua LNG: Gulf and Central provinces have agreed on K6.6 billion in project benefit-sharing figures, as the major gas project faces a December deadline for a final investment decision.

Porgera Violence: Eight people were reported killed and homes burned in late-September violence near the Porgera mine. Local allegations implicate elite police, but police deny responsibility and say officers responded to tribal fighting. Bougainville: Parliament is set to consider the 2019 referendum result, in which 97.7 per cent voted for independence, and a proposed pathway for Bougainville’s future status. El Niño Relief: Prime Minister James Marape defended giving each district K2.5 million, saying reports on how the money is used will guide further assistance. Climate Action: PNG is urging COP31 leaders to turn pledges into accessible funding and practical action, especially for vulnerable communities. Election Security: The Defence Force says K22.5 million in supplementary funding is needed for security, training and air support ahead of the 2027 election. Aitape Port: A K25 million redevelopment is expected to restore a vital link for West Sepik communities; PNG Ports says the facility could handle 25,000 tonnes of cargo annually. PNG Chiefs: The 2028 NRL club has named Ela Motors its automotive partner, securing vehicle and logistical support as it prepares to launch.

Volcano Watch: Manam continues to emit ash, with a plume reaching 7,000 feet and moving northwest, according to an advisory issued Monday. El Niño Response: Prime Minister James Marape has directed provincial and district administrations to mobilise disaster assistance for affected communities. International partners are also supporting preparedness and relief efforts. Digital Services: Australia is providing Telikom PNG K27.2 million to improve operations and strengthen services, including planned digital payment platforms. Aitape Port: PNG Ports has launched a K25 million redevelopment, restoring a vital sea link for West Sepik communities and reducing reliance on flood-prone roads. World Cup Home Games: The Kumuls open their campaign against Lebanon in Port Moresby on Saturday, while the Orchids host France the same day. Health: Simbu health workers have begun training to identify and treat severe malnutrition in children.

Disaster Watch: Manam Volcano continues to emit ash, with a plume reported up to 7,000 feet and moving northwest. A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck off the coast near Arawa; no casualties or damage were reported. El Niño Response: Prime Minister James Marape has directed provincial and district administrations to mobilise relief for communities facing dry conditions and other disasters. 2027 Election: The Electoral Commission is planning digital voter enrolment, but has also flagged procurement, staffing and financial-control problems that could affect preparations. Financial Crime: The central bank warns PNG faces a high money-laundering risk and is urging stronger enforcement and prosecutions. Separately, a US government report says trafficking is prevalent in the logging industry, while corruption hampers prevention efforts. Infrastructure: Marape is calling for more private investment in power generation after completion of a K263 million project to strengthen the Ramu transmission system.

Manam Alert: The volcano continues to emit ash, with a plume reaching 7,000 feet and moving northwest, prompting an aviation advisory. 2027 Election: Electoral Commissioner Nicole Haley says new digital tools could let voters check or update enrolment by the end of October. She also flagged procurement irregularities and staffing shortages, with logistics contracts on hold as the Commission investigates. Fuel Costs: The Government is phasing out direct fuel subsidies, lifting pump prices by K1 a litre to K5.90 in Port Moresby; the GST exemption remains until year-end. Highlands Enterprise: Mama Bank has opened a Mt Hagen branch, backed by K1 million from Dei District to unlock up to K3 million in SME loans. Papua LNG: Gulf and Central provinces have agreed on K6.6 billion in benefit-sharing figures for the project. Health Support: The PNG Tamil Sanggam donated 10 wheelchairs and K30,000 in supplies to the children’s cancer ward at Port Moresby General Hospital.

Fuel Costs: The Government’s K1 billion fuel relief package is exhausted, and petrol, diesel and kerosene prices have risen by K1 a litre. A GST exemption remains in place through December. Election Readiness: Parliament’s elections committee has followed up on preparations for the 2027 general election. Small Business: Mama Bank opened a Mt Hagen branch, backed by K1 million from Dei District to unlock up to K3 million in SME loans. Drought Response: PNG has declared a national humanitarian emergency as drought conditions persist; Ok Tedi has pledged K50 million for relief. UNICEF also warns a powerful El Niño could deepen risks to children and communities. Papua LNG: Gulf and Central provinces have agreed on K6.6 billion in benefit-sharing figures for the project. Rugby League: New Zealand Rugby is seeking to block the PNG Chiefs’ name ahead of the club’s NRL debut, while PNG prepares to co-host the Rugby League World Cup. Earthquake: A magnitude 5.4 quake struck the New Britain region.

Climate and Children: UNICEF warns the 2026–27 El Niño could put 347 million children at risk worldwide. The threat adds urgency for PNG, already facing a declared drought emergency. Election Preparations: Parliament’s elections committee has followed up on preparations for the 2027 general election. Fuel Prices: Petrol, diesel and kerosene rose by K1 a litre to K5.90 in Port Moresby after the K1 billion relief fund was used up; the fuel GST exemption remains until year-end. Small Business: Mama Bank has opened a Mt Hagen branch, backed by K1 million from Dei District to unlock up to K3 million in SME loans. Papua LNG: Gulf and Central agreed to an 80:20 split of K6.606 billion in project benefits, ahead of a targeted December investment decision. Energy: Australian-backed solar projects are planned for Oro and Bougainville, with more than 66,000 people expected to benefit. Sport: PNG’s Kumuls face Samoa in Round 2 of the Rugby League World Cup.

Earthquake: A magnitude-5.4 quake struck the New Britain region on Friday, with the epicentre about 43.5 kilometres deep. Papua LNG: Gulf and Central provinces agreed to share K6.606 billion in project benefits, with an 80:20 split, ahead of a targeted December investment decision. Power and Mining: New Australian-backed solar projects in Oro and Bougainville are expected to benefit more than 66,000 people. K92 Mining reported its second-highest quarterly output and passed one million ounces of gold equivalent at its Kainantu mine. Drought: PNG has declared a humanitarian emergency as El Niño threatens worsening dry conditions; Ok Tedi has pledged K50 million for the national response. Rugby League: The Kumuls and Orchids squads are set for the World Cup, while New Zealand Rugby is seeking to block the new PNG NRL franchise from using the Chiefs name. Bougainville Exploration: Trenching near the historic Panguna mine has confirmed a copper-gold mineral system at the EL02 project.

Papua LNG: Gulf and Central provinces agreed to split K6.606 billion in project benefits 80:20, with Gulf receiving the larger share. Further agreements are still needed before all beneficiaries’ allocations are finalised. Mining: K92 Mining reported 49,776 ounces of gold equivalent in the third quarter at its Kainantu mine, taking production past one million ounces since 2018. Renewable energy: Australian-backed solar projects in Oro and Bougainville are expected to benefit more than 66,000 people, bringing power to homes, schools and communities. Climate emergency: PNG has declared a national humanitarian emergency as El Niño-driven drought threatens water supplies and food security. PNG Chiefs: New Zealand Rugby has taken the NRL to court over the incoming PNG club’s name, seeking to stop it using “Chiefs” in New Zealand. The club says its planned October 21 brand launch will go ahead. Health: Officials say severe workforce and medical-supply shortages persist, and are urging stronger primary care and accountability.