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At its fourth meeting, which was held today (November 22), the Lantau Development Advisory Committee noted the work progress of its four subcommittees and endorsed a consolidated work plan. Furthermore, to take forward the Lantau development projects, the Committee decided to adopt a multi-pronged approach and launch promotional and public engagement activities.
The Secretary for Development and Chairman of the Committee, Mr Paul Chan, said, "Based on the consolidated work plan, the Committee will propose a holistic strategy for the development and conservation of Lantau, in a bid to promote the long-term and sustainable development of both Lantau and Hong Kong."
The four subcommittees had earlier discussed the Government's initiatives for Lantau's development. The Committee agreed that the initiatives can form the basis for devising a holistic development strategy. These initiatives are mainly:
(1) To progressively launch several large-scale strategic studies for the future developments on the north shore of Lantau and adjoining districts, including the topside development at the Hong Kong boundary crossing facilities of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, reclamation at Sunny Bay and artificial islands in the central waters, with a view to formulating and assessing related development proposals. The studies are expected to be completed between 2016 and 2018 in phases. The results of the studies will provide foundation information for the future development of Lantau.
(2) To prepare for the launch of three topical studies covering an overall development strategy for commercial land uses on Lantau; an overall strategy and proposals for recreation and tourism development; and proposals for the development of spa and resort facilities in Cheung Sha and Tai A Chau on the Soko Islands and an extension of Ngong Ping 360 to Tai O. The studies are expected to be completed by around early 2016.
(3) To conduct a strategic review and assessment on Lantau's comprehensive and balanced development including a consolidated economic land use analysis, a strategic transport and infrastructure review, a strategic environmental assessment, a spatial/sectoral development strategy and a conservation plan. This is expected to be completed in 2016.
(4) To continue improvement works for the revitalisation of towns and villages in areas including Tai O, Mui Wo and Ma Wan Chung in an orderly manner; and to proactively implement the construction of mountain bike trail networks in phases, improve sections of a narrow road bend along Keung Shan Road and South Lantau Road, and review the arrangements for closed roads and issuance of closed road permits for Lantau to dovetail with the planning of the area and promote recreation and tourism development.
(5) To produce publicity materials such as publications and videos, and to engage a public relations consultant to assist in formulating a comprehensive publicity and consultation strategy to promote public and community engagement, enhance public understanding and build a consensus on the future development of Lantau.
Mr Chan thanked the members for their devotion and efforts in working with the Government over the past months to map out a comprehensive work plan and help forge ahead with the various proposals. This entails short, medium, long-term and overall strategies while addressing needs for community development at the same time. He said that with support from the various parties involved he was confident that the Government will be able to make the best use of Lantau, bringing long-term benefits to the local community as well as Hong Kong as a whole.
The four subcommittees are the Planning and Conservation Subcommittee, the Economic and Social Development Subcommittee, the Traffic and Transport Subcommittee, and the Public Relation and Engagement Subcommittee.
Ends/Saturday, November 22, 2014
Issued at HKT 13:45
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