Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy wraps up visit announcing funds for development support here
BY NED GAGAHE
Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Hon Pat Conroy MP, wrapped up a successful visit to the Solomon Islands yesterday, announcing a major SBD140 million in new development support for key national priorities.
He made the announcement during his two-day visit to the Solomon Islands.
Minister Conroy said the announcement reflects Australia’s continued commitment to its strong partnership with the Solomon Islands, focusing on infrastructure, energy, mining, governance and regional cooperation.
He began his key engagements by joining the Minister for Infrastructure Development, Ricky Fuo’o, where he announced SBD60 million to upgrade vital roads across the Solomon Islands through the National Transport Fund.
This funding will support work on four key transport corridors in Malaita and eight roads in Honiara, with works to be delivered by local contractors.
Together with the Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, he also announced that Australia will provide SBD38 million in additional grant funding for the Tina River Hydropower Project.
In addition, he announced SBD1.6 million to support improvements in the mining sector.
Minister Conroy, along with the Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination, Rexon Ramofafia, also launched the Australia–Solomon Islands Development Partnership Plan 2024–2029, which sets shared development objectives for the next five years.
Speaking to local media at a press conference yesterday, Minister Conroy said the SBD140 million funding also includes SBD45 million in support for the Solomon Islands’ hosting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) this year.
This package includes the provision of around 60 security vehicles, support for cybersecurity, upgrades to Honiara’s roads and approximately SBD3 million for logistics support.
“During this trip, I announced 140 million dollars’ worth of additional funding for Solomon Islands Government priorities. That includes 45 million dollars for support for the PIF hosting, including the provision of 61 cars that will then go out to the Solomon Islands Police Force for the provinces, as well as budget support for the PIF,” Minister Conroy said.
Minister Conroy also revealed that more than 10,000 Solomon Islanders have now travelled to Australia to work under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Minister Conroy concluded his visit to the Solomon Islands yesterday.
For feedback, contact:[email protected]
