China to build $200 million fishery project on Australia’s doorstep

It will hardly be ideal for the Australian Border Force, which patrols the strait, to have to decide which fishing boats and crew are actually from PNG and which might be fronts for Chinese operators from the 'multi-faceted' facility.

Australia's relationship with PNG is at a critical phase. At every opportunity China pushes policies that drive a wedge between our two countries.

A $200 million 'fishery' investment in an area not known for an abundance of fisheries but strategically as close to Australia as you can get, surely raises questions about the real agenda.

Australia has spent a considerable sum on aid programs in health care, education and other services in Fly River Province, including in Daru. But it's clear we have fallen short when it comes to economic development, and especially development that lifts living standards and provides small business and employment opportunities for villagers.

The agreement for this project falls under the Belt and Road Initiative being pursued by China in PNG. If Australia is to stop the project from proceeding any further, it will need to move fast. Whatever Australia opts to do, its response will have to be substantial, people focused and readily achievable.

One has to hope that the important strategic location of China's planned investment generates sufficient attention in Canberra to prompt delivery of an appropriate counterproposal, and quickly.