Fed: Kokoda track airstrip needs upgrades, fmr CEO says

AAP General News (Australia)
08-13-2009
Fed: Kokoda track airstrip needs upgrades, fmr CEO says

There's calls for Papua New Guinea to upgrade its airstrip for the Kokoda Track.

It comes after 13 people .. including nine Australians .. were killed on Tuesday ..

when their plane crashed en route to the Track.

Former Kokoda Track Authority boss WARREN BARTLETT says the Track's landing strip lacks
white markers that would assist pilots landing planes.

Meanwhile .. an inquiry in 2006 highlighted the need to upgrade the airstrip .. due
to the increasing number of tourists to the area.

It found the upgrades would cost the PNG government three and a half million dollars.

Mr BARTLETT says PNG could ask for funding from Australia .. Japan or the World Bank.

AAP RTV srj/ka/

KEYWORD: PNG PLANE KOKODA (CANBERRA)

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