Lantau is the greatest long-term development plans raised by the government in these years. The proposals of Lantau development would bring a great impacts to different aspects like economic growth, social development and environmental conservation of Hong Kong. The government has published the “Lantau : Space for All” report in 10 January 2016, and a three-month public engagement section has been launched in 31 January 2016.
We think that it is not enough to seek comments and ideas for such a large-scale development plans through a three-month public engagement. The format of the public engagement activities like exhibition and public forum, and the limited access to presentations and focus group meetings cannot effectively help the general public to get known with the current situation of Lantau, and evaluate the development proposals objectively.
Therefore, Save Lantau Alliance (SLA) are going to organize a “Save Lantau” Arts Fair cum Civil Hearing. Public could share and exchange their ideas about Lantau with the government officials and the professionals from different disciplines. We hope that we could, together, clarify the concepts about Lantau development, and explore the future possibilities of Lantau other than the concept of “Southern Gateway of PRD” raised by the government.
At the same time, a “Lantau Arts Fair” would be held, as to demonstrate the social and cultural characteristics of Lantau to the general public through a variety of activities.
The Secretary for Development, Paul Chan, has promised that he would consider the invitations for any Lantau civil forums during his Tai O visit in 15 February. Therefore, we have sent an invitation to Mr Chan, urging him to attend this civil hearing personally, as to listen to the voice from public, and respond to the concern of general public. Unfortunately, Mr Chan refused to attend this event because of busy schedule. The government will only send the representatives from Planning Department and Civil Engineering and Development Department to attend the hearing session.
Details of “Save Lantau” Arts Fair cum Civil Hearing :
Date :
24 April 2016 (Sunday)
Time :
1100-1330 “Save Lantau” Arts Fair
1400-1800 Civil Hearing
Venue :
Star Ferry Pier, Central (Tentative, amendments would be notified shortly)
Guests of Civil Hearing :
Mr Edward YIU, Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Resources Management, CUHK
Ms LAU Siu-lai, Founder, Siu-lai Democracy Classroom
Mr Stanley CHAN, Eco-Education & Resources Centre
Mr Eddie TSE, Convenor of Save Lantau Alliance
Government representatives (PlanD / CEDD)
