Taskforce weighs ideas for future of Lantau
Ski resort, mini-Great Wall among ideas some say conflict with island's character
A man-made indoor beach, a mini-Great Wall and Tibetan palace and a ski resort are among proposals to be examined by officials under the review of the controversial Lantau Concept plan.
The proposals were among 109 ideas contained in 540 written submissions and comments received from the public on the initial development plan for Lantau.
They have been screened and will be studied in the context of planning intentions, relevant policies, technical feasibility and land availability. Other proposals such as casinos have been rejected.
The plan, open to public input since last November, has been heavily criticised by environmentalists and local residents for lacking proper consultation.
Critics said the plan fundamentally changes Lantau's conservation status. But the Lantau Development Taskforce (LDTF) said the island's strategic place in Hong Kong's economy was recognised in the public consultation process.
The taskforce is chaired by Financial Secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen, who is in charge of the plan's formulation.
'The role that Lantau could play in providing new impetus to Hong Kong's economic development was agreed,' the taskforce said in a paper to lawmakers reporting the consultation results. 'The public generally supported the planning vision of Lantau to promote sustainable development by balancing development and conservation needs.'
Describing the assorted projects as ridiculous, Clive Noffke, of the Green Lantau Association, said it was not possible to comment on piecemeal proposals without asking what the community wanted Lantau to be like.
'There remains a deep-seated distrust of the LDTF, and dismay that the public-driven planning process has been usurped,' he said in a letter to the taskforce.
He urged that the Lantau planning job be given to the Council for Sustainable Development.
Lee Ho-yin, acting programme director of the architectural conservation programme at the University of Hong Kong, said proposals such as a Shaolin temple, mini-Great Wall of China, and a toy museum were a mish-mash of outdated and inappropriate developments that could do little to enhance the character of Lantau.
The Legislative Council's planning, lands and works panel will discuss the results of the consultation on Tuesday.
Bright ideas
1. Mini 'Great Wall of China'
2. Indoor ski resort
3. Small Tibetan palace
4. Entertainment city to promote film and music
5. Waterworld in Cheung Sha with hotel and man-made beach
6. Spring City with tourist facilities and dam for water storage
7. A '7- to 8-star' hotel
8. School of Shaolin
9. Astronomy resort
10. Toy museum
