At its fifth meeting held today (March 21), the Lantau Development Advisory Committee looked at the work reports of its four subcommittees and the progress of various Lantau strategic studies and local improvement works. Preliminary concepts for the development of South Lantau's recreation and tourism sectors were also discussed.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Secretary for Development and Chairman of the Committee, Mr Paul Chan, said, "After discussions in the past four meetings, the Committee has proposed to the Government a number of strategic directions for Lantau covering planning, conservation, social and economic development. It has also formulated a work plan."
He added that through active discussions and efforts over the past months, the four subcommittees have achieved a considerable amount of work. The Planning and Conservation Subcommittee has suggested preliminary ideas on conservation and green tourism and reported an initial analysis of Lantau's economic development opportunities; the Economic and Social Development Subcommittee has proposed a preliminary social development strategy for Lantau; the Traffic and Transport Subcommittee has discussed various traffic and transportation issues; and the Public Relations and Engagement Subcommittee has rolled out several publicity initiatives.
Regarding the major strategic studies, namely the Tung Chung new town extension, topside development at the Hong Kong boundary crossing facilities of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and Siu Ho Wan reclamation projects are all proceeding as scheduled, he said.
As for short-term topical strategic studies, the Government has commenced a study related to the consolidated economic development strategy and market positioning for commercial land uses of Lantau. The other two studies on the recreational and tourism development strategy for Lantau, and an extension of the cable car system from Ngong Ping to Tai O and development of spa and resort facilities at Cheung Sha and Soko Islands are currently going through the process of selecting consultants and tendering, and will commence shortly.
Mr Chan said, "These major and short-term topical strategic studies will provide the Government and the Committee with information and data on various aspects and relevant proposals which can facilitate the formulation of further development strategies and project plans.
"While recreation and tourism development for Lantau will be considered under the relevant study to be commenced very soon, our initial view is that there are opportunities for Northwest Lantau to be better developed for heritage, cultural and natural tourism, for South Lantau to develop leisure and water sports centres as well as eco-conversation and green tourism, and for optimising the potential of country parks for recreation and tourism."
At today's meeting the Committee also noted that various government departments are taking forward a number of short-term projects, including the revitalisation of Tai O and Mui Wo, construction of a mountain bike trail, improvements to sharp narrow road bends along Keung Shan Road and South Lantau Road, and review of arrangements for closed roads and issuance of closed road permits for Lantau.
In his concluding remarks, Mr Chan said, "To enhance public understanding of the development direction for Lantau and the work progress of the Committee, we have been visiting the 18 District Councils and different local organisations. We will progressively extend the scale of publicity and consultation in the second half of this year so that the general public and relevant stakeholders have ample opportunity to know more about our proposals for Lantau's development and to offer their views."
Ends/Saturday, March 21, 2015
Issued at HKT 15:27
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