Port Upgrade: Honiara International Port’s International Berth 1 upgrade is moving into the next phase, with temporary structures being built to support marine piling for a planned 30-metre seaward extension under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project. Mining Law Reform: The Government introduced a new Mineral Resources Bill to modernise mining rules, put landowners and communities at the centre through a statutory Community Development Agreement, and tighten land access, compensation, and environmental safeguards. Police Training Boost: RSIPF received a $5.5m upgraded Tactical Training Centre from Australia’s AFP, aimed at improving officer readiness and key response capabilities. Energy & Power: Construction has started on a 22km transmission line from Tina River to Lungga to deliver up to 15MW of renewable power to Honiara, while Polar Power reported repeat orders for solar hybrid systems supporting Solomon Islands broadband expansion. Regional Cooperation: SPC and PM Wale discussed stronger technical cooperation across ocean management, fisheries, climate, renewable energy, agriculture and natural resources, including maritime boundary work with PNG. Economy & Tax: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo flagged manageable debt, revised GDP growth to 3.5% as logging declines, questioned weak visible mining capital inflows, and pushed tax collection tightening and reforms including a planned VAT. Freshwater Security: Solomon Islands launched the PacFresH2O programme to protect freshwater resources and build climate resilience with partners including GIZ, SPC and Live & Learn. Western Border Security: Australia is set to hand over the new Lofung border and patrol boat outpost to strengthen western maritime policing, disaster response and services.