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WK Lo’s LegCo Express
November 2016
1. Discussed the development of the Hong Kong Disneyland
On 28 Nov, the development of the Hong Kong Disneyland was discussed at the meeting of the Panel on Economic Development. The Government and Walt Disney Co (WDC) are embarking on a HK$10.9 billion expansion of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL), with features that include the world’s first Frozen and Marvel-themed facilities. The themed facilities are located at the Phase 1 site of HKDL where land formation work has been completed. The expansion and development plan will run from 2018 until 2023, and the total number of attractions will increase from about 110 to over 130 after completion. According to the financial arrangement, the Government will inject HK$5.8 billion as new capital for the expansion plan. The remaining HK$5.1billion will be borne by WDC. The expansion would attract more high-spending and overnight visitors from diversified market sources, hence benefiting tourism related industries in Hong Kong. In addition, the expansion is expected to create more job opportunities across the construction industry. At the meeting, I raised that the Government should explore the Phase 2 expansion of HKDL as its long-term development plan.
2. Discussed the Registered Fire Engineer scheme
On 11 Nov, the Registered Fire Engineer (RFE) scheme was discussed at the meeting of the Panel on Security. I have joined the Fire Services (Amendment) Bill 2015 and finished deliberation on the Regulation. Owing to other pressing business LegCo had to transact, the second reading debate of the Fire Services (Amendment) Bill 2015 could not be resumed in the Fifth LegCo. Therefore, the Government introduced the Fire Services (Amendment) Bill 2016 into LegCo again.
3. Subcommittee to follow up issues relating to the Three-runway System of the Hong Kong International Airport
I have joined this Subcommittee to follow up issues relating to the Three-runway System of the Hong Kong International Airport. On 11 Nov, first meeting of the Subcommittee was held and the work plan was discussed to include the feasibility of the 3RS, its scope and design details, financial arrangement, existing capacity of HKIA, environmental impacts, and related matters. I have joined the former Subcommittee in the Fifth Legislative Council, which put forward a total of 45 recommendations to the administration.
4. Launched the Technology Voucher Programme under the Innovation & Technology Fund
The Innovation & Technology Commission launched the $500 million Technology Voucher Programme under the Innovation & Technology Fund on 21 Nov. Under the scheme, which aims to benefit 2,500 companies, the Government will offer up to $200,000 to help an SME adopt tech solutions and services. The three-year pilot programme will offer $2 for every dollar spent by an SME on such services. Applications will be vetted by a committee with members from the business and technology sectors, professionals and government officials. This Programme enhances the long-term competitiveness of small and medium enterprises.
5. Subcommittee on Marine Parks (Designation) (Amendment) Order 2016
I joined this Subcommittee in Nov. This Amendment Order was published in the Gazette on 4 November 2016 and tabled at the LegCo for negative vetting. It seeks to amend the Marine Parks (Designation) Order for the purpose of designating the Brothers Marine Park. The Amendment Order will take effect from 30 December 2016. The Subcommittee has completed the scrutiny of the Amendment Order and will report the deliberations of the Subcommittee to the House Committee on 16 December 2016.
6. Subcommittee on refuse collection and resource recovery
The Subcommittee on refuse collection and resource recovery was set up on 15 Nov to study and review the existing policies on refuse collection and resource recovery, including the design, functions and distribution of related facilities, the sorting and logistic flow of refuse, and discuss with the administration and make timely recommendations. I have joined this Subcommittee.
7. Subcommittee on retirement protection
At the House Committee meeting on 28 October 2016, Members agreed that a subcommittee should be formed under the House Committee to study issues relating to the retirement life of all people, and to follow up on the proposal of setting up and implementation of universal retirement protection for all people in Hong Kong. I have joined this Subcommittee.
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