Tree task force details new regime
A new tree protection law has been ruled out but two new offices will be set up next year to improve management of the city's gardens, trees and landscaping, according to a report from a task force headed by Chief Secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen.
The proposals were part of a 67-page report compiled by the task force since March, following a coroner's investigation into the death of Kitty Chong Chung-yin, killed by a falling tree in Stanley last year.
Her sister Catherine Chong Shiu-yin welcomed the report but hoped measures would be decided on and enforced as soon as possible. 'This is not just something for a particular person but for the whole community,' she said.
Unveiling the report yesterday, Mr Tang said the task force had made public safety its top priority. He said the proposed new offices and other improvement measures would be more cost effective than forming a centralised institution to handle all tree matters - which are now handled by at least seven departments.
He said a tree protection law for trees on private land was unnecessary for the time being as it would create 'complicated problems' over private property rights.
'We are not ruling out the necessity for the law permanently as we will review the situation constantly after implementing these administrative measures,' he said.
Other ideas in the report included revamping the tree risk-assessment system and establishing a database of 'problematic trees' that required close monitoring.
The database might be made public as well.
Key to the 16-point task force proposal is the establishment of two offices, namely the Greening and Landscaping Office (GLO), and Tree Management Office (TMO), under a new section of the Development Bureau to be headed by a principal assistant secretary.
The GLO will focus on centralised greening and landscaping issues primarily in large developments, while the TMO will co-ordinate complex tree cases involving relevant departments, which will continue to maintain trees under their jurisdictions.
The TMO will also review tree guidelines used by individual departments and design a new risk-assessment form to be used by all departments.
It will also study the eligibility criteria for landscape contractors and promote manpower training within and outside the government.
The office will be assisted by an expert group comprising local and overseas members who will advise on policy and operational matters.
The task force said it was the responsibility of private landowners to take care of trees on their properties.
Owners could seek advice from the Lands Department, which would get a new tree unit.
The 1823 government hotline would handle all complaints about trees.
A government source said the two new offices could be set up as early as next year, with recurrent spending of up to HK$19 million a year.
Branching out
Who maintains what trees?
Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Parks and roadside landscaped areas
Highways Department
Expressways and some slopes
Housing Department
Public housing estates
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Country parks
Other departments such as Water Services Department
Allocated government land
Lands Department
Unleased and unallocated government land
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
Any fallen trees that require disposal
Source: Task force on tree management
