Conflict Group

Conflict Islands
Location of the Conflict Islands

The Conflict Islands (also Conflict Group) is an Atoll in the Coral Sea. Politically they belong to the province of Milne Bay in the south east of Papua New Guinea. They are 150 km (93 mi) east of Alotau in the Louisiade Archipelago located between the Engineer Group to the west and the Deboyne Islands to the east.

The Conflict Islands Atoll forms a pear-shaped reef formation of 10 km (6 mi) by 22 km (14 mi), enclosing a massive central lagoon within the fringing reef, 18 km2 (7 sq mi) in size. There are three main passages that connect the lagoon with the surrounding waters of the north-eastern Coral Sea — the largest of these, known as Ship Pass, is found on the south-western side. Around the reef perimeter are found 19 islands varying in size from less than 1 hectare to the largest at 97 ha (240 acres); and two islets found within the lagoon centre, Quesal and Itamarina. The total land area is 3.75 km2 (1.45 sq mi) or 925 acres (374 ha). The third largest island, Panasesa 63.5 ha (157 acres) currently accommodates a resort comprising 6 bungalows with ensuites, main club house, diving and fishing centre and a 650 metres (2,133 ft) runway.

History

The Conflicts Islands were first charted in 1879 by Captain Bruce of H.M.S. Cormorant, but they weren't named until 1880 after H.M.S. Conflict by Lieutenant Bower. The ship first sighted the islands in moonlight, and the ship passed east to west along the southern end of the Conflict Islands.

In 1895 Henry Alexander Wickham was granted a lease of the uninhabited islands, which he turned into a copra plantation, and attempted to farm sea sponges, beche de mer and pearls.

Ownership

The Conflict Islands are owned by international entrepreneur Ian Gowrie-Smith. His company Archdale Pty Ltd, a Papua New Guinea company, holds all the shares in the companies that own the islands under freehold title. The 21 islands of the Conflict Group are divided into nine Papua New Guinea companies owning approximately 2 islands each. Freehold land is extremely rare in the South Pacific, and only some 3% of the land of Papua New Guinea is in private hands; privately held under 99-year state lease, or it is held by the State.

Development

Gowrie-Smith has been widely reported in media seeking a joint venture partner to help develop the atoll, and/or sell individual island to private owners. His goal is to create and exclusive private residence community similar to that created at Mustique Island, where private luxury villas are owned by the likes of Mick Jagger, David Bowie, US designer Tommy Hilfiger and a host of others.

Coordinates: 10°46′S 151°47′E / 10.767°S 151.783°E

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