Review of the planning for North West New Territories
Following is the speech by the acting Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Canice Mak, in the Legislative Council motion debate on review of the planning for North West New Territories today (Wednesday):
President,
I welcome this debate because it gives me an opportunity to set out the Government's position on planning in the Northwest New Territories. In particular, I welcome the positive spirit behind the motion which is by and large consistent with the Government's strategic planning intentions for the Northwest New Territories. I will deal with the motion under four headings. First, I will present the Government's planning for the Northwest New Territories, highlighting the relationship between the territory-wide planning, the problems and the potential for the future. Second, I will describe the Government's infrastructure plans for the Northwest New Territories, particularly in respect of transport infrastructure and port development. Thirdly, I will deal with land use in the area, focusing on the characteristics, constraints and possibilities. Fourthly, I will update Members on the latest developments in cross- border infrastructure co-ordination by referring to the work of the Infrastructure Co- ordinating Committee.
Northwest New Territories planning
The Government's strategic planning intentions for the Northwest New Territories are four-fold. First, to take advantage of the vast amount of flat land in the area, particularly in Tin Shui Wai. The Northwest New Territories will provide a strategic growth area to accommodate part of the anticipated increase in population. Secondly, lying between Hong Kong's Ceritral Business District, the port and the airport and the Pearl River Delta, the Northwest New Territories is strategically located to serve as a transport node for cross-border traffic. Thirdly, taking advantage of this location factor, the Northwest New Territories is also a good service centre for the container trade and China- related business activities. Fourthly, the Northwest New Territories is highly significant in terms of natural conservation, country parks and recreation. The Mai Po Marshes and wetland are internationally important wildlife habitat and nature conservation areas. There are beautiful Country Park areas, attractive enclosed valleys and scenic coastal areas. These are important areas to satisfy the growing demand for an improved living environment and an alternative lifestyle.