11 May 2009

PNG's famed Kokoda Track now re-opened after dispute settled

3:35 pm on 11 May 2009

Papua New Guinea landowners have reopened the Kokoda Track after emergency talks settled their grievances.

Last Wednesday landowners near Kovelo Village began demanding around 70 US dollars each from trekking groups and wouldn't allow trekkers to pass.

A meeting between Kovelo villagers and the Kokoda Track Authority on the weekend led to the blockade ending late on Sunday afternoon.

A spokesman for the landowners says they are satisfied that their demands have been met and the track is now open again.

He told AAP that landowners along the track want to see the financial benefits of trekking.