Australia’s support includes an AUD91.9 million financing package for the Laitim Hauslain project to improve national power infrastructure. This investment will connect 30,000 to 40,000 households, schools and clinics in Morobe and East New Britain provinces to electricity, many for the first time.

Australia’s financing forms part of the PNG Electrification Partnership, which supports a key Papua New Guinean Government priority to achieve 70 per cent electrification by 2030. Improved access to electricity will improve economic and development outcomes in Papua New Guinean, support economic development in local communities, and improve the delivery of vital services for the people of Papua New Guinea.

Australia has also invested AUD76.3 million to support the national road network, connecting communities and supporting improved access to markets. The investment will support the Papua New Guinean Department of Works and Highways to undertake long-term rehabilitation and maintenance of approximately 359 kms of roads along the Wau Highway in Morobe Province and the Sepik Highway in East Sepik and West Sepik (Sandaun) provinces.

Funding will contribute to designs for the proposed Trans-National Highway. This will assist the Papua New Guinean Government progress their priority Connect PNG Strategy, a plan to increase strategic connections across Papua New Guinea’s four regions over the next 20 years.

Both investments will provide employment for Papua New Guinean people and use local materials where possible, to help stimulate Papua New Guinea’s economy and recovery from COVID-19.

Laitim Hauslain Project

Wau and Sepik Highways 

For more information, contact aiffp@dfat.gov.au

*Updated AUD figure based on exchange rate: 1.0AUD/0.70USD

The upgrade, to be delivered by AIFFP in partnership with the Nauru Department of Transport, includes resurfacing of the runway and upgrade of some critical air traffic control equipment. The funding will also enable climate-resilient upgrades to sections of the Nauru ring road.

As a small and remote island-state, Nauru is heavily dependent on the airport to connect Nauruans with their families overseas and deliver fresh food, medicine and other critical supplies.

The airport upgrade is a major infrastructure priority for Nauru, and its people, and will ensure the airport continues to operate safely and meet international standards.

Joint statement: Australia-Nauru cooperation on critical transport infrastructure | Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Women (archived link)

Nauru airport refurbishment 

Australia, through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, is providing a USD22 million financing package to Solar Pacific Pristine Power for a landmark solar and battery energy storage facility in Palau.  

The financing was announced by the Minster for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Marise Payne during her visit to the Republic of Palau in December 2021. The agreements were signed on Monday 31 January 2022.

The project will deliver high-quality, renewable and sustainable energy infrastructure for Palau. It is anticipated to provide approximately 20 per cent of the country’s energy needs reducing dependency on imported diesel for power generation.

Palau Solar Plant Investment | The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP)

For more information contact aiffp@dfat.gov.au

REnew Pacific’s Respond Global project has reached the halfway mark in its mission to power up remote healthcare facilities across Vanuatu, switching on clean energy and water systems at five health facilities in Sanma Province. The upgrades, completed last month, are improving care for the 11,700 people the facilities serve.

The HELPR-1 team completed a challenging month-long deployment in August to electrify and refurbish some of the province’s most remote health centres. New off-grid solar systems were installed at Saramauri Health Centre, Vulesepe Dispensary and Pessena Dispensary, while essential refurbishments restored and extended existing systems at Stonehill and Tasiriki Dispensaries.

The work went beyond energy. Repairs to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities were carried out at every site, and Saramauri Health Centre received its first consignment of modern medical equipment, including a patient monitor, oxygen concentrator, defibrillator, autoclave and foetal doppler, giving staff the tools they need to deliver better care.

Two students from the Vanuatu Institute of Technology joined the mission, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to the next generation of Vanuatu’s clean energy workforce.

Delivered in partnership with Vanuatu’s National Green Energy Fund through REnew Pacific, the HELPR-1 Climate Adaptation Program is working to install 20 new off-grid solar systems and refurbish 20 more across all six provinces. With Sanma now online, the program is halfway to its goal of benefitting over 80,000 people in remote communities with cleaner energy, safer water and stronger healthcare.

Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Max Willis, said; “When health workers have reliable power and safe water, communities are healthier and more resilient. Australia is proud to be working with Respond Global and the Government of Vanuatu to deliver clean, reliable energy where it’s needed most. With HELPR-1 at its halfway point, we are seeing the impact multiply across the islands, transforming healthcare for tens of thousands of people across Vanuatu.” 

Dr Ian Norton, Managing Director, Respond Global, said: “We thank Australia for their support for this impactful project, and for the partnership of the Ministry of Health and Department of Energy. We believe everyone deserves access to health services even in remote and hard to reach islands. This project means those services now have power, clean water, and thanks to the Australian Government, extra medical equipment and supplies delivered as part of this REnew Pacific project.”

REnew Pacific is the Australian Government’s $75 million commitment to expanding clean, reliable off-grid renewable energy in rural and remote Pacific and Timor-Leste communities. Over the next five years, the program will fund locally-led projects that improve lighting, water, healthcare, education, agriculture and resilient livelihoods. It’s part of the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a $350 million initiative focused on climate infrastructure in the region, delivered by the Australian Government’s Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).

Find out more about the project.

Since switching to a solar-hybrid system a year ago, Good Samaritan Hospital is delivering reliable 24/7 healthcare for families across Solomon Islands’ Guadalcanal province with fuel savings already funding new health services.

Thanks to a partnership between Superfly Limited, the Good Samaritan Hospital and the Australian Government through the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP), the hospital is delivering a cleaner, greener and more resilient healthcare system for the 43,000+ people it serves, including more than 21,500 women who rely on maternity, child and other health services.

The impact after 12 months has been significant, with 97.3% of the hospital’s energy needs now supplied by solar, enabling hundreds of patients to be treated safely at night with reliable power. The shift has saved 19,000 litres of diesel, cutting costs and avoiding 51 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Savings from reduced fuel costs are already being reinvested back into healthcare. A new extension for non-communicable disease foot care has opened and a small eye clinic is planned for the coming months. These services that would not have been possible without the shift to solar.

“Families across Guadalcanal now know they have a hospital they can rely on for 24/7 care, powered by clean energy,” said Sister Daly from Good Samaritan Hospital. “We’re welcoming more community members than ever before, while reinvesting money saved from fuel into better services and equipment.”

This was the very first BPP Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnerships project to launch - and the first to be completed - not only in Solomon Islands but across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

The project is part of the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), which expands the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) to grow Australia’s climate investments and support Solomon Islands to reach its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050.

Find out more about the partnership. 

Thousands of people living on some of Fiji’s most remote outer islands are set to benefit from a new REnew Pacific project that will deliver safe, reliable drinking water.

Delivered in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the Water Authority of Fiji and the Department of Water and Sewerage, the project will upgrade water infrastructure across seven sites on Lakeba, Rotuma and Vanuabalavu.

Each site will transition from diesel-only pumping to solar-hybrid and water tank systems, improving water security while cutting fuel costs and emissions.

The project will benefit around 4,900 people and includes storage and remote monitoring features to support long-term reliability and service delivery. It also provides training and support to local water authorities and communities, with a strong focus on inclusion for women and people with disabilities.

This is the first REnew Pacific water project in Fiji and will serve as a model for scaling sustainable water solutions across the Pacific.

REnew Pacific is the Australian Government’s $75 million investment in off-grid renewable energy for rural and remote communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste, including Fiji.

Over the next five years, REnew Pacific will continue to support community-led projects that bring clean, reliable energy to remote and rural off-grid communities, powering everything from lighting and clean water to healthcare, education and local enterprise.

REnew Pacific responds directly to the Pacific’s call for urgent climate action, showcasing Australia’s climate leadership and partnership in tackling the region’s greatest shared challenge. It sits within the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a $350 million initiative delivered through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and implemented by Palladium.

Learn more about this project.

A new REnew Pacific project led by the Its Time Foundation will bring 24/7 clean energy, high-speed internet and digital learning tools to 30 remote schools and teachers’ homes across Fiji.

Many of these schools currently rely on costly diesel generators that run for only a few hours a day, which limits learning, digital access and safety. 

By installing high-quality off-grid solar systems and computer labs, the project will help close the education gap for thousands of students across mainland Viti Levu and outer islands including Rabi, Taveuni, Kadavu, Moala, Kabara and the Yasawas.

The initiative builds on the successful pilot at Buakonikai Primary School, delivered under the BPP Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnership. Just months after installation, the school reported improved learning outcomes, better digital access and more than AUD 6,000 in annual fuel savings, which was all reinvested in education. 

Find out more and watch a short film about the project.

Rob Edwards OAM, Founder, Its Time Foundation, said: “This new partnership marks a major step forward in our mission to ensure every child in Fiji has access to safe, modern education, regardless of where they live. 

“We’re building on the success of our earlier pilot to bring reliable solar power, internet connectivity and long-term sustainability to 30 more remote schools. It’s not just about clean energy – it’s about opportunity, equity and lasting impact for communities across the Pacific.”

Kaushik Lal, Senior Education Officer, Ministry of Education, said: “Providing solar power to remote schools brings light to classrooms, hope to students and relief to teachers. It powers learning, reduces costs and protects the planet, turning every sunrise into a promise of opportunity, resilience and a brighter future for education.”

Now scaled through REnew Pacific, the project introduces a dedicated maintenance model backed by the Solar Fund (Fiji), along with Starlink internet and basic computer labs to support e-learning. Fuel savings will help cover ongoing costs, making the systems financially sustainable for schools long into the future.

Delivered in partnership with Fiji’s Ministry of Education, the project also supports gender equity through training for women in solar installation and technical trades.

REnew Pacific is the Australian Government’s $75 million investment in off-grid renewable energy for rural and remote communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste, including Fiji.

Over the next five years, REnew Pacific will continue to support community-led projects that bring clean, reliable energy to remote and rural off-grid communities, powering everything from lighting and clean water to healthcare, education and local enterprise.

REnew Pacific responds directly to the Pacific’s call for urgent climate action, showcasing Australia’s climate leadership and partnership in tackling the region’s greatest shared challenge. It sits within the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a $350 million initiative delivered through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and implemented by Palladium.

Learn more about the project.

19 August 2025

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

Thank you and can I start by acknowledging the traditional owners of the Brisbane region, the Turrbal and Yuggera people.

I pay my respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.

We are honoured to welcome distinguished leaders from across the Pacific, including Heads of State, Heads of Government, Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers and senior officials from:

• Palau, Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji,
• Solomon Islands, Nauru, Federated States of Micronesia,
• Republic of Marshall Islands, Niue, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Kiribati, and the Pacific Islands Forum.

We deeply appreciate your presence and the valuable contributions you bring to this important gathering.

Your engagement reflects a strong commitment to advancing shared priorities across the region.

All protocols observed.

Welcome to the Pacific Infrastructure Conference

Hello everyone.

I'm so pleased that Australia is hosting the Pacific Infrastructure Conference.

It's good to see you in Brisbane. Thanks for travelling to be here.

The Pacific is our home and it's in all our interests to foster a resilient, connected region that enables all our economies to grow and our people to prosper.

Infrastructure plays a key role in this.

When we decide to invest in infrastructure, what we are doing, is imagining a better future.

It enables economic development across a range of sectors by providing ports, aviation links, roads, and digital connections.

It can transform communities by providing access to power, clean water, education and health services. It improves the everyday life of our communities.

Quality and resilient infrastructure also supports us in adapting to climate change.

There are several principles that guide Australia's approach to infrastructure investment.

We provide support that is:

• Based on and responsive to partner priorities
• Climate resilient
• Inclusive in design and promotes high-quality construction
• Transparent in its approach to investment and responsible lending
• And prioritises local leadership, jobs and procurement.

There are four key areas that I want to touch on today and leave you with to think about.

1. The first is how important it is to me that Australia's infrastructure investments in the Pacific are Pacific-led.

Australia listens to the priorities of the Pacific family – and acts on them.

As of June, this year, the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific has committed almost $2 billion to projects across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

That's 56 projects in 11 countries.

Australia also supports infrastructure projects through our bilateral programs.

Examples of the breadth and depth of the projects Australia supports include:

• Building multi-purpose sports courts at secondary schools in Kiribati to promote fitness and encourage students to stay in school.
• Supporting the Papua New Guinea Government's work to restore and maintain the Wau Highway, making travel safer and improving remote communities' access to essential services.
• And working with the Government of Tonga and the Asian Development Bank to upgrade the Queen Salote International Wharf – Tonga's main gateway to global trade and essential supplies.

We have heard that the Pacific needs high quality infrastructure that responds to Pacific priorities and is suitable for Pacific conditions.

We are committed to –

• Listening to the Pacific on their priorities, including ensuring projects support local jobs and skills
• Working as a trusted partner, so you can be sure our projects are fit for purpose, high-quality and sustainable.
• Delivering on your priorities.

2. Climate change is also critical

Pacific leaders have declared that climate change is the number one threat to the security of their people, and they are right.

The Australian Government is committed to working to address climate change.

That's why we are also supporting investments in resilient infrastructure and clean energy projects.

And it's why we established the $350 million Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership.

This partnership supports countries and communities to adapt to climate change, reduce greenhouse emissions and expand access to clean energy.

Projects range from small scale renewable energy projects for rural and remote communities to much larger investments.

An example of this is a project I visited in Palau a few years ago to establish Palau's solar power plant and battery storage facility.

This project reduces carbon emissions and high fuel costs from diesel generators.

This is one of the largest solar energy projects in the Pacific, backed by Australia.

Recently we provided a further investment to upgrade Palau's electricity network to improve system reliability and allow for greater use of renewable energy, helping to reduce Palau's dependence on imported fossil fuels.

This is just one example of how we are supporting the region's transition to renewable energy and building clean energy industries across the Pacific.

3. Thirdly, we all know that infrastructure projects also create jobs.

I was in Honiara in June, and I announced $11 million contribution to the Solomon Islands National Transport Fund to cover repairs, maintenance and upgrades to key roads.

We understand the impact of deteriorating roads for getting to work, getting produce to market and getting children and family members to school or health services.

Our $11 million contribution will be allocated based on Solomon Island's priorities, and we are making sure all these projects are delivered by local companies.

This will not only support local companies to thrive, it will also create local jobs and provide local income to be spent in Solomon Islands.

We want to draw on local expertise and support Pacific countries to build the skills and experience of their workers.

The AIFFP ensures local benefits by working with partners to set targets or commitments on local content levels in its project contracts.

This is also growing the private sector in Pacific countries, boosting demand for local equipment and services while also developing local capability.

I ask you this, can a development partner be genuine if they don't trust your workers to build your infrastructure?

We want to continue growing local content in the infrastructure projects that we fund.

4. We also want to strengthen connections across the region

Looking ahead, of course, there are a lot of exciting areas in which infrastructure can make transformational changes to Pacific lives.

The world is changing incredibly rapidly and a lot of that is driven by technology.

Technology that can connect our people, our businesses and our countries.

By the end of 2025, all Pacific Island Forum countries will be connected via submarine telecommunication cables.

This is an unprecedented milestone in regional connectivity.

Two cables are due to go live later this year…

…The East Micronesia Cable connecting the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati and Nauru.

…and the Tuvalu Vaka Cable.

These cables connect individuals, businesses and communities to each other and the world, unlocking a host of new digital services and economic opportunities, including access to education, healthcare and e-commerce.

Palau Paradise Express extension

Of course, we also strengthen our people to people links and Australia's connection to our neighbours with aviation infrastructure.

It links diaspora communities with family at home and supports economic development by supporting the tourism industry…

That's why:

…We are working with the Government of Timor-Leste to upgrade the International Airport in Dili.

…We are working with the Government of Nauru to upgrade its International Airport.

…And we are working with Airports Fiji to upgrade key airports across Fiji.

As we are here in Brisbane, I'm also reminded of the importance of flight services between our countries.

And I'm really excited to announce that the Albanese Government is extending support for the Palau Paradise Express to continue the non-stop Qantas flights that connects Australia and Palau.

The flights will now extend that great service to Palau for another 12 months, until at least the end of 2026…

…to bring Australia, Palau and other Micronesia states closer together and support economic growth through tourism and two-way trade opportunities.

In the last nine months, over 5000 passengers have travelled on the Paradise Express and over the next year there will be thousands more.

Conclusion

So we know that there is more work to do and there is always room for improvement.

Australia wants to continue partnering with you as a trusted partner for infrastructure projects in the Pacific, with transparent investment to support high quality construction and utilising local labour to create jobs and support the local economy.

We want to work with you to strengthen economic development and regional connectivity…

…You can count on us to finance resilient infrastructure projects that help with the clean energy transition and climate related impacts like cyclones and earthquakes …

…Support Pacific-grown workforces and private sectors.

You can count on us to fund projects that are built by local workers.

And you can count on us to support your infrastructure priorities.

This is about building a future that is shaped and chosen by Pacific communities – the future you want to build.

Thank you for having me here this morning.

I wish you a productive conference and I look forward to hearing more about your discussions.

Thank you all again for coming to Brisbane today.