WK Lo’s LegCo Express
September 2018
1. Submission to the Government regarding “Planning for land supply in Hong Kong”
Together with some other LegCo members, I submitted a proposal to the Government on 26 September regarding the “Planning for land supply in Hong Kong” consultation and urged to develop green belts area with lower ecological value in the side of the country parks. We also support reclamation outside the Victoria Harbour and public and private partnership development of land. We advocate speeding up the redevelopment of aged public housing estates and relaxing the plot ratio at suitable land zones.
2. Hong Kong Section of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link opens
I joined the opening ceremony for the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) on 22 September. After a simple launching ceremony and a plaque unveiling ceremony, all guests boarded the first train bound for Guangzhounan Station after going through clearance procedures under the co-location arrangement at the West Kowloon Station. We returned to Hong Kong after making a brief stop at Guangzhounan station. The construction of the Hong Kong Section of the XRL commenced in 2010. It has a total length of 26 kilometres and connects with the Mainland Section of the XRL. Hong Kong can now be connected to the 25000 km-long national high-speed rail network. Its full service has commenced since 23 September.
3. Typhoon Mangkhut caused significant damage in Hong Kong
Typhoon Mangkhut rammed into Hong Kong on 16 September, causing significant damages. Super Typhoon Mangkhut left behind a chaotic mess to the city. Accompanied by the district members, I went to Tai Po to learn more about the situation after the passage of the typhoon. I expressed gratitude for the dedication of front-line personnel as they timely provided the necessary support and services to minimize the impact of the typhoon on the city. I also sent out mooncakes to local residents and brought festival wishes to them.
4. Invited to radio programmes to share my views on the Policy Address
On 29 Sept and 3 Oct, I was invited to radio programmes to share my views on the forthcoming Policy Address. I pointed out that Hong Kong must grasp the new opportunities brought by the Greater Bay Area and the "One Belt, One Road" initiative. As far as land issues are concerned, we should consider reclamation outside the Victoria Harbour, development of boundary areas of country parks, use of caverns and underground space, development of brownfields and agricultural land, urban renewal, relaxation of plot ratio and redevelopment of aged public housing estates.
5. Special Panel meeting on "Planning for land supply in Hong Kong"
The Task Force on Land Supply conducted a five-month Public Engagement exercise from 26 April 2018 to 26 September 2018. The Development Bureau and Task Force would like to seek views of LegCo members and public on the 18 land supply options identified by the Task Force. Therefore, a special panel meeting on “Planning for land supply in Hong Kong” was held on 19 September to listen to views from the public.