The newly-formed Harbour-front Enhancement Committee (HEC), under the chairmanship of Professor Lee Chack-fan, held its first meeting today (May 6).
Members agreed that the operation and proceedings of the Committee should be open to members of the public and media and that they were welcome to attend the HEC meetings as observers.
The meeting discussed the terms of reference and decided that the principle of sustainable development should be included. Furthermore, HEC would provide advice on land use, transport and infrastructure, landscaping and other issues related to existing and new harbour-fronts and adjoining areas under the broader framework of planning, design and development.
The meeting also decided that task groups could be formed such that Members interested in particular issues could discuss the issues at greater depth and organize activities related to such issues.
Members noted that they would be consulted and involved at very stage of the respective reviews of the two remaining proposed reclamation projects within Victoria Harbour, namely Wan Chai Development Phase II and South East Kowloon Development.
At the meeting, Members were briefed on the draft Study Brief for the Stage 1 Planning Review and the approach of the comprehensive Planning and Engineering Review of South East Kowloon Development. They were also briefed on the scope, approach, methodology and programme of the Planning and Engineering Review of Wan Chai Development Phase II, which started in March 2004.
"In view of the wide public concern on the issue of harbour reclamation, members consider it prudent to monitor the reviews and to gauge public opinion on the proposals of both reviews throughout the review progress," Professor Lee, the Chairman of HEC said.
The next HEC meeting, scheduled for 8 July 2004, would further discuss how public consultation could be further improved in the planning process.
Members were briefed on the Harbour and Waterfront Plan Review as well as some possible quick enhancement projects identified by the Planning Department on the waterfront at Sheung Wan and Hung Hom.
"Members noted that the community had a high expectation of the Committee and looked forward to the Committee to make concrete and tangible contributions towards improving the harbour-front," Professor Lee said.
The agenda of the meeting will be posted on a dedicated webpage on the Committee and meeting minutes would also be uploaded onto the webpage for public viewing starting from the next meeting. HEC will meet on a regular bi-monthly basis but the task groups to be formed can meet more frequently if Members so wish.
The Government announced the appointment of the Chairman and Members of the HEC on April 28 this year.
The Committee comprises six senior Government officials and 23 other non-official members who represent different quarters of the community including professional institutes, green groups, harbour interest bodies and the business sector, as well as individuals from varied background who are knowledgeable in harbour related issues.
HEC is tasked to advise the Government on planning, design and development of the existing and new harbour-fronts and adjoining areas of the Victoria Harbour, with a view to protecting the Harbour; improving the accessibility, utilization and vibrancy of the harbour-front areas; and safeguarding public enjoyment of the Harbour through a balanced, effective and participatory approach.
Ends/Thursday, May 6, 2004
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