Australia leaves decision on Kokoda Track to PNG
Updated
Australia's Foreign Minister says he's happy to leave it up to the Papua New Guinea Government to decide if mining is allowed along the Kokoda Track.
Both governments have signed an agreement to retain the historic value of the track but it's unclear whether an Australian mining company will be granted an exploration license for an area near the track.
The Minister Stephen Smith says that's a matter for the PNG Government.
"Both governments, both nations want to retain the historic value, iconic symbolism of the Kokoda Track," Mr Smith said.
"I'm very happy to leave that particular issue to the PNG goverment and as I've said they'll deal with that in their own times, in their own terms."
