PNG’s multi
p. 26 · Read in the full issue
million boost
That $l,OOO million five-year programme for P-NG, intended to “quicken the progress of the territory towards economic self reliance”, got a lot of space in the Australian Press when it was announced in September. How ever, territorians regarded the announcement cautiously; they will be convinced when words have turned into actions.
Nonetheless, Minister for External Territories Barnes is adamant that the money will be spent. How will it be raised?
By increased support from the Commonwealth with a growing share of the expenditure coming from territory revenue and loans, and loans from inter national sources.
The programme plans to in crease the plantings of tree crops by New Guineans by more than 50 per cent.; to increase by five fold the number of beef cattle raised by New Guineans; to expand timber production and exports by almost threefold; and to more than double the manu facturing output. It is also planned to increase substantially spending on roads, bridges and other transport facilities.