Source:
https://scmp.com/comment/letters/article/2181384/hong-kong-task-force-report-land-supply-win-some-lose-some
Comment/ Letters

Hong Kong task force report on land supply: win some, lose some

  • Ignoring PLA land on government advice and targeting the Fanling golf course are blemishes on a largely excellent report
PLA Hong Kong Garrison soldiers demonstrate their skills and technique during the Ngong Shuen Chau naval base open day, on Stonecutters Island in July 2018. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

I make three observations on the largely excellent Task Force on Land Supply report. First, recommending the priority development of brownfield sites and agricultural land, including that held by developers, is to be welcomed. These opportunities have been neglected for too many years and should be tackled head on now.

Second, the report, on government advice, ignores land sites currently occupied by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), after the government said that land was being used for defence purposes. These are extensive, largely underutilised and easily developed. I understand that a mechanism for the return of military land to our government was established at the time of the Joint Declaration. It just needs to be activated.