Infrastructure Pipeline: Australia is ramping up PNG infrastructure spending to A$250m+ a year, with ESIP2 and other power, telecoms, health and advisory work moving through procurement—plus skills support to build local delivery capacity. Aviation Upgrade: Hoskins Airport is at 78% completion, with the runway extended to 1,580 metres after CASA PNG approval; Stage 11 started 27 Sept, targeting late-2026 completion. Macroeconomy: BPNG lifted its 2026 growth forecast to 3.5% on stronger resources, construction and services, but warns 2027 may soften to around 2% amid rising costs and El Niño risks. Marine Conservation & Industry: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m+ in new Pacific ocean grants including PNG, aimed at creating large offshore marine protection and sustainable water management. Digital Services: Lae City Authority launched ServiceLink with NiuPay so residents and businesses can pay land taxes online, reducing cash handling and office congestion. Trade & Skills: IHG PNG partnered with Caritas to train young Papua New Guineans for hospitality careers. Education Links: Indonesian universities are in Port Moresby promoting courses and scholarships, including agriculture and STEM/vocational pathways. Agribusiness Pressure: Coffee exports via Lae are stalled during peak season, threatening income for Highlands growers and the wider supply chain. Resource Governance: A governor warns PNG and Melanesia risk losing control of resources to foreign interests unless colonial-era laws are updated. Energy & Climate Risk: El Niño-driven drought and frost are already damaging PNG crops, with knock-on food security concerns.