Australia has come in to provide funding support to Papua New Guinea's efforts to assist communities impacted by the prolong dry weather brought on by the El Nino.

Australia has announced an initial package of more than K21 million (approximately AUD 7 million) to help Papua New Guinea (PNG) prepare for and respond to the impacts of El Niño and drought conditions. The announcement was made at the 2026 Papua New Guinea-Australia Ministerial Forum.

The package will support drought preparedness and response through investments in water security, health and humanitarian supplies, school feeding programs, and agricultural resilience initiatives.

It will be delivered through trusted humanitarian, development and aviation partners with existing reach across Papua New Guinea.

Visiting Papua New Guinea as part of the 32nd Australia-PNG Ministerial forum, Australia's Minister for Emergency Management, the Hon Kristy McBain MP, said Australia was acting early to help communities prepare for the impacts of worsening drought conditions.

“Australia stands with Papua New Guinea as communities face the growing challenges posed by El Niño and prolonged dry conditions. Early action helps protect lives, livelihoods and essential services, while reducing the need for more costly emergency responses later,” Minister McBain said.

“This support package reflects Australia's commitment to working alongside the Government of Papua New Guinea and our humanitarian partners to strengthen preparedness, reach vulnerable communities and build resilience to future disasters.”

The package includes:

• K7.5 million (AUD 2.5 million) for NGOs to support water and food security, and other drought-related interventions in affected communities through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership.

• K7.5 million (AUD 2.5 million) for health and humanitarian supplies, including pre-positioning and delivery of essential items through partners such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the World Health Organization (WHO) and aviation partners.

• K3 million (AUD 1 million) for school feeding and nutrition support, expected to benefit more than 87,000 students across targeted provinces.

• K3 million (AUD 1 million) for drought monitoring, vulnerability assessments and the distribution of drought-resistant seed to support recovery and food security.

Australia’s National Emergency Management Agency, which sits under Minister McBain’s portfolio has recently signed a partnership with PNG’s National Disaster Centre, to support Papua New Guinea’s coordination and response ability, working with local disaster abilities.

This support builds on Australia's long-standing partnership with the MRA, through Geoscience Australia, and the National Weather Service with Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology.

Australia will continue to work closely with the Government of Papua New Guinea, the United Nations, non-government organisations and other partners to monitor the evolving situation and ensure assistance reaches those most in need.