Environmental assessment supports artificial beach project, says government

The government defended its environmental assessment efforts for a controversial artificial beach project in Tai Po, on Friday morning, saying everyone involved would benefit.

Speaking on a radio programme, Robin Lee Kui-biu, deputy director of the Civil Engineering and Development Department, said the assessment took a solid scientific approach. “Our objective was to compare the biological diversity of Lung Mei with other areas, not just [to assess] the number of marine creatures. The species found there are actually commonly seen in other areas.”

Further, the environmental impact assessment report was reviewed by an independent professor from City University, Lee said.

Fewer than 20 natural species living in the project area would need to be relocated, he said.

Also speaking on the programme, Betty Fung Ching Suk-yee, the director of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, said the government had come up with a win-win solution – a plan to build an ecology centre for public education and to broaden conservation efforts in the Ting Kok area. She did not give details of the conservation work.

The government has also reserved space along Ting Kok Road, to expand it if necessary to accommodate increased traffic.

"Locals fear loss of Lung Mei beach" Video by Hedy Bok