Threats by Papua New Guinea landowners to close the Kokoda trail could jeopardise a dawn service in remembrance of the Australian soldiers this Wednesday.
The newspaper, The National, reports that the Kokoda Track Authority has warned the track could be closed because the government has been slow to meet a set of demands.
They include a call for the PNG government to divert about 1.2 million US dollars that it allocated for the Kokoda Track Development project.
Other demands include budgetary support for the Authority, a review and increase of porter and guide rates, and rates for facilities like accommodation.
Landowner representatives have reportedly agreed to close the track until their demands are dealt with.
The threat comes as several ANZAC dignitaries including veterans from overseas are in PNG for the dawn service, which takes place at Isurava battlefield monument in Kokoda.
