Radio Australia

Forest clearance on disputed land-leases in Papua New Guinea is likely to continue at record levels for the next five to six years, according to the organisation which represents logging companies.

In 2011, logging on Special Agricultural and Business leases pushed Papua New Guinea's log exports to record highs - so much so that some commentators now place PNG as the second largest exporter of tropical logs in the world.

By Luana Paniu

The chairman of a landowner company has pledged that he and other dissatisfied landowners will not cease fighting against agriculture giant New Britain Palm Oil (NBPOL) until their terms and conditions are met.

Rigula Landowners Association chairman, David Kura said that he and landowners of the three land groups; Gule, Rikau and Meloks, were not happy with what they described as “standard” terms and conditions set by NBPOL under the Special Agriculture and Business Leases (SABL).

By Martyn Namorong

Martyn Namorong

The Commission of inquiry into the Special Agriculture Business Leases in the East Sepik Province, is set to begin hearings tomorrow morning (Wednesday). The venue is the Council Chambers at Dagua.

ABC Radio

One of the world's leading tropical biologists says clear felling of forests on Papua New Guinea's controversial Special Agricultural and Business leases is likely to have profound impact on PNG's environment.

Australia's Chief Climate Commissioner, Time Flannery, says Australia needs to be concerned about record tropical log exports from Papua New Guinea. 

Latest figures from the world's biggest scientific testing and verification company show PNG exported 3.5 million cubic metres of tropical hardwood logs in 2011 - well above the previous record of 3 million cubic metres.

By Luana Paniu

A LAWYER registered by Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) as an executive for an investor company over a controversial SABL in Vanimo appeared Wednesday with absolutely no information about the SABL, reports the Post Courier.

The Executive for the Bewani Palm Oil Development Limited has been summoned before the Commission of Inquiry to give evidence as the SABL holding entity’s secretary, reports the Post Courier.

Tom Sirae, who is the Company Secretary, will also be required to inform the Commission as to whether there was any public hearings held to obtain Landowners consensus on whether Portion 106C could be converted into an SABL.

The executive for the Bewani Palm Oil Development Limited has been summoned before the Commission of Inquiry to give evidence tomorrow as the SABL holding entity’s secretary, reports the Post Courier.

Mr Tom Sirae, who is the Company Secretary, will also be required to inform the Commission as to whether there was any public hearings held to obtain Landowners consensus on whether Portion 106C could be converted into an SABL.