Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles rejoiced at the signing of a landmark agreement as a watershed moment for regional security. They celebrated the expansion of the Lombrum Naval Base on Manus Island. This huge project, estimated to cost $500 million, is entirely funded by Australian taxpayers. It’s lauded as Australia’s biggest infrastructure project in the Pacific. Besides benefiting the bases and contractors, the expansion will increase the military capabilities of both Papua New Guinea and Australia. It will bring over 700 new jobs!
The ceremony, held on Manus Island, underscored the joint ceremony’s message of unity between the two nations as they work to bolster defence relations. Meanwhile, the redevelopment of PNG’s Lombrum Naval Base under Australia’s $2 billion redevelopment program boasts some pretty impressive upgrades. These involve extending the existing WWII-era wharf, developing road and power infrastructure, and constructing new accommodation and barracks facilities for the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. This plan will effectively double the number of military personnel assigned to the base. The overall will grow to roughly 400 total troops.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The Lombrum Naval Base expansion project has deep meaning for the people of Manus Island. Besides the immediate economic impact of deployment, over 350 jobs were created in Manus alone, helping that region’s economy blossom. The scope of the investment will tremendously shape Papua New Guinea’s budding economy. It will produce additional economic gains in supporting industries.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said he was delighted with the project’s achievements. He added, “In the end, we’re very happy with what has been produced. At $500 million, this is Australia’s largest ever infrastructure project in the Pacific. He reiterated the job creation angle — probably the most important component to resonate with local economies to national security.
According to a recent report, the original cost estimates for the expansion of Lombrum Naval Base were underestimated by at least $330 million. Originally budgeted at $175 million, the first contract was awarded for $228 million. Various factors contributed to cost overruns. Marles addressed these concerns, stating, “There have been a number of factors which have led to the cost, and part of that is the time that has been taken to deliver the project.”
Strategic Significance
The future Lombrum Naval Base is seen as a key strategic advantage for Papua New Guinea and Australia. Marles underscored its strategic importance, stating, “It was always understood then that what this represented was a gateway to the Western Pacific — and we’ve always understood this … as being a really strategically significant place for Australia and obviously Papua New Guinea.”
It stands to improve access for United States military forces. This comes on the heels of a controversial new defense pact signed with Port Moresby in early 2023. This agreement highlights innovative regional global security partnerships, increasing multilateral operational capabilities to counter new threats from the emerging world order.
Marles highlighted the significance of collaboration between nations: “We want to be able to operate out of each other’s facilities. That’s what the defence cooperation agreement will provide.” This sentiment has strengthened the belief in a mutual defence strategy and stable regional base.
Future Prospects
The enlarged Lombrum Naval Base, on Manus Island, is nearly done. Most importantly, it demonstrates the deepened diplomatic bond between Australia and Papua New Guinea. These upgraded facilities would creatively fill an acute ongoing and emerging defense need. They institutionalize both nations as important players in the burgeoning regional security conversation.
James Marape remarked on the long-term benefits of this development for Papua New Guinea, emphasizing that “what we’re building here is a base that’s a great asset for PNG but an asset that can ultimately be used by Australia.” This collaborative attitude not only shows a vision toward collective defence preparedness but like-mindedness toward regional peace and security.
The new joint-use port facilities will be “a tangible expression” of these ever-deepening ties. As both nations look ahead, they will be mutually incentivized to seek out additional areas of collaboration that bolster each country’s security architecture.
