【大灘、屋頭及高塘超過50間疑似「套丁」申請】Front men schemes covering 50+ small houses in Tai Tan, Uk Tau and Ko Tong
【大灘、屋頭及高塘超過50間疑似「套丁」申請】
“Tai Tan, Uk Tau and Ko Tong suspected over 50 Small Houses Front man Scheme”
(Please scroll down for English )
創建香港「大灘、屋頭及高塘土地業權」研究簡報：
http://goo.gl/F28PDQ
大灘、屋頭及高塘近年在城規會有多宗丁屋申請。創建香港經過近一個多月的土地業權研究，我們發現該區超過50間丁屋申請曾為發展商（公司或某批業主）所持有，再轉讓予村民或申請人，並向地政總署及城規會申建「丁屋」。發展商單在屋頭和大灘，上述交易與早前被裁定罪成的沙田大輋村「套丁案」（案件編號：DCCC25/2015）所用手法十分相似。
創建香港在6月7日去信敦促地政總署、城規會和廉政公署採取以下措施以預防相鄰的「套丁」申請：
1. 處理「丁屋」申請時，地政總署應當徹底研究土地的交易紀錄。可疑的申請應該詳細研究。
2. 當局應拒絕發展商假借村民名義作出的集體申請。只有個人申請方可被考慮。
3. 當局須評估丁屋申請人在本港居住的意向。地政總署可與入境事務處合作，以斷定申請人是否通常居住在香港。只有香港居民可以獲得批准。
4. 設立網上公開資料庫，供公眾查閱「丁屋」申請的資料，包括申請人、土地交易紀錄、土地狀況及審批狀況等資訊。
5. 城規會及規劃署在決定土地用途時，必須考慮土地交易紀錄。這是確保規劃圖則不會助長「套丁」的重要一環。
6. 為防止政府官員犯法，廉政公署正為地政總署提供建議，以減少「丁屋」申請程序中出現貪污的風險。可惜的是，建議報告並不會向公眾公開，只會交給地政總署參考。我們要求公開報告，使社會大眾知道和監察預防「套丁」的情況。
相關新聞：
Front men schemes covering 50+ small houses in Tai Tan, Uk Tau and Ko Tong
(Designing Hong Kong “Tai Tan, Uk Tau and Ko Tong Land Ownership Study” PowerPoint presentation：
http://goo.gl/F28PDQ)
A study of land transactions in Tai Tan, Uk Tau and Ko Tong shows that for more than 50 small house applications to the Lands Department and/or Town Planning Board the land was first bought by developers and transferred to the applicants just prior to their applications. These patterns are strikingly similar to the front man scheme discovered in the Sha Tin Tai Che Village court case (No. DCCC25/2015) during which the Court considered this an illegal practice.
Based on our findings we made the following recommendations to the Administration, the Town Planning Board and the ICAC to deter front men schemes abusing the small house policy:
1. Upon receipt of applications for small house developments the Lands Department should consider the transaction history of the site(s) involved. Suspicious cases should be examined in detail.
2. Group applications by “dings” on behalf of developers should be rejected. Only applications made by individual applicants should be considered.
3. The intention of the applicant to live in their small house must be considered including a study of their immigration records to determine whether applicants ordinarily reside in Hong Kong. Only ordinary residents should be allowed to apply.
4. Details of applications for small houses must be made public with an online database showing the applicant, an overview of the land transactions and current status, and the progress of the applications.
5. When considering draft plans and applications, the Town Planning Board and the Planning Department must take into account the land transaction history. This is essential in ensuring that the Board does not aid and abet front men schemes.
6. To prevent government officials from breaching the law, ICAC is drafting recommendations on how the Lands Department can minimize risks when handling applications which create development values. We call for the report to be disclosed to the public. It should not be restricted to the Lands Department. A detailed review should be published so that the general public can better understand how front men schemes can be prevented.
News Reports:
Apple Daily: http://goo.gl/Bpsr5n
SCMP: http://goo.gl/kBXRWH
SingTao: http://goo.gl/2TGG8i
RTHK: http://goo.gl/0OUFZJ
Joint statement regarding dumping and land filling by concern groups and environmental NGOs 關注團體及環保組織就傾倒泥頭和填土問題的聯署信
Dumping and land filling on land reserved for conservation and agricultural uses continues to impact Hong Kong’s habitats, ecology and biodiversity. Concern groups and environmental NGOs are deeply concerned over the lack of preventive and enforcement action by government against unauthorized and unintended land uses.
Today, Designing Hong Kong together with other concern groups urge government to remove the obstacles in legislation, establish a public and transparent land database and set up a Conservation Enforcement Task Force.
Joint statement by concern groups and environmental NGOs regarding dumping and land filling:
English: Joint statement regarding dumping and land filling by concern groups and environmental NGOs
Chinese: 關注團體及環保組織就傾倒泥頭和填土問題的聯署信
在保育地區和農地上傾倒泥頭和填土的行為，一直影響香港的自然生境、生態及生物多樣性。關注團體及環保組織對此深切關注，但政府缺乏預防和執法的措施去阻止這些未經批准和規劃的土地用途。今日，創建香港和其他關注團體在立法會環境事務委員會討論”天水圍嘉湖山莊附近堆積泥頭及疑涉非法堆填的事宜”前，在立法會門外示威，要求政府移除就法例上的漏洞，設立公開和透明度高的數據庫及設立保育執法專責小組等。
關注團體及環保組織就傾倒泥頭和填土問題的聯署信：
英文版: Joint statement regarding dumping and land filling by concern groups and environmental NGOs
大嶼山可持續發展民間論壇 Lantau Sustainable Development Forum
大嶼山發展的議題如火如荼，但當中不少爭議尚未解決，仍
創建香港、香港大學學生會理學會環境生命科學學會、島嶼
• 政府提出的大嶼山發展方案會對大嶼山（尤其是南大嶼）的
• 東大嶼都會 (中部水域人工島) 的發展基礎是甚麼? 它與香港整體的經濟社會發展策略有甚麼關聯?
• 東涌新巿鎮及擴展計劃將會帶來更多人口，相關發展會對當
論壇全段紀錄 來源：SocREC社會記錄協會
主持 謝志峰
大嶼山發展策略建議
1. 黎卓豪先生-發展局首席助理秘書長(工務) 5（演講錄影、簡報）
2. 劉寶儀女士-規劃署總城市規劃師/策略規劃（演講錄影）
第一部份：南大嶼山的保育與挑戰
1. 「大嶼山發展與保育」司馬文-創建香港行政總裁及薄扶林區區議員（演講錄影（英文）、簡報）
2. 「大嶼山的保育重點」劉惠寧博士-世界自然基金會香港分會副總監 (環境保護)（演講錄影）
公眾提問環節1（錄影）
小組成員：
1. 司馬文先生-創建香港行政總裁及薄扶林區區議員
2. 劉惠寧博士-世界自然基金會香港分會副總監 (環境保護)
3. 黎卓豪先生-發展局首席助理秘書長(工務) 5
4. 林世雄先生-土木工程拓展署港島及離島拓展處處長
5. 張綺薇女士-規劃署助理署長/全港
第二部份：中部水域東大嶼都會的發展
1. 「從東北土地發展看大嶼山規劃」陳劍青 -本土研究社成員（演講錄影）
2. 「香港需要東大嶼都會嗎？」任憲邦博士 -南大嶼關注組成員（演講錄影、簡報）
3. 「東大嶼都會怎樣與南大嶼結合？」Merrin Pearse -島嶼活力行動主席（演講錄影（英文）、簡報）
第三部份：東涌的經濟和就業機會
1. 「東涌新巿鎮擴展-經濟和就業」譚燕萍女士-規劃署 西貢及離島規劃專員（演講錄影，簡報）
2. 「大嶼山可持續發展」哈永安-大嶼山發展聯盟創會主席（演講錄影、簡報）
3. 「東涌的經濟和就業機會」趙羡婷（趙姑娘）-東涌社區發展陣線計劃主任（演講錄影）
公眾提問環節2（錄影）
小組成員：
1. 陳劍青先生 -本土研究社成員
2.趙羡婷女士（趙姑娘）-東涌社區發展陣線計劃主任
3. 哈永安先生-大嶼山發展聯盟創會主席
4. 任憲邦博士 -南大嶼關注組成員
5. 黎卓豪先生-發展局首席助理秘書長(工務) 5
6.林世雄先生-土木工程拓展署港島及離島拓展處處長
7. 張綺薇女士-規劃署助理署長/全港
8. 劉俊傑先生土木工程拓展署土木工程處副處長(海港及土地
9. 劉寶儀女士-規劃署總城市規劃師/策略規劃
10 譚燕萍女士-規劃署 西貢及離島規劃專員
Designing Hong Kong, Environmental Life Science Society, SS, HKUSU, Living Islands Movement and Tung Chung Community Development Alliance have launched a “Lantau Sustainable Development Forum” on 9 April 2016.
The objective of the forum is to focus on three specific areas of the Lantau development plan.
- First, what is the environmental and natural conservation impact of the plan on the areas of Lantau with low population density and rich in biodiversity?
- Second, what are the basis, implications, and relationship of the East Lantau Metropolis and Hong Kong’s development strategy?
- Third, what is the human, social and economic impact of the plans on dense populated urban areas of Tung Chung?
The exchange of information and views in the forum provided input for debates and assist with establishing policies, planning guidelines, and a decision-making framework for the conservation and development of Lantau.
Full Recording (Source: SocREC)
Host: Tse Chi Fung Joseph
Proposed Development Strategy for Lantau
1. Mr. Lai Cheuk Ho, Principal Assistant Secretary (Works)5, Development Bureau
(Video Recording, Powerpoint Presentation)
2. Miss Winnie Lau, Chief Town Planner/Strategic Planning, Planning Department
Part One: South Lantau Conservation Plan and Challenge
1. “Lantau development pressure and conservation”, Paul Zimmerman , CEO of Designing Hong Kong and District Councillor of Pokfulam (Video Recording , Powerpoint presentation)
2. “Conservation priorities of Lantau”, Dr Michael Lau, Assistant Director (Conservation) of WWF-Hong Kong (Video Recording)
Q&A on the topic of “South Lantau Conservation Plan and Challenge” (Video Recording)
Panelists
(1)Mr. PaulZimmerman, CEO of Designing Hong Kong and District Councillor of Pokfulam
(2) Dr MichaelLau, Assistant Director (Conservation) of WWF-Hong Kong
(3) Mr. Lai Cheuk Ho, Principal Assistant Secretary (Works)5, Development Bureau
(4) Mr. LAM Sai Hung, Project Manager (HK Island & Islands), Civil Engineering and Development Department
(5) Ms. Amy Cheung, Assistant Director of Planning/Territorial
Part Two: Development of East Lantau Metropolis in the Central Waters
1. “Understanding Lantau development through “Northeast papers””, Mr. Chan Kim Ching, member of Liber Research Community （Video Recording）
2. “East Lantau Metropolis: Does Hong Kong Need it?”, Dr Tom Yam, member of South Lantau Concern group （Video Recording , Powerpoint Presentation）
3. “How will ELM integrate with South Lantau?”, Dr Merrin Pearse, Chairman of Living Islands Movement （Video Recording , Powerpoint Presentation）
Part Three: Tung Chung Economy and Employment Opportunities
1. “Tung Chung New Town Extension – Economic and Employment”, Ms. Donna Tam, District Planning Officer/Sai Kung & Islands, Planning Department（Video Recording, Powerpoint Presentation)
2. “Lantau Sustainable Development”, Mr. Allen Ha , the Founding Chairman of Lantau Development Alliance（Video Recording、Powerpoint Presentation）
3. “Tung Chung Economy and Employment Opportunities”, Ms Chiu Sin Ting, Project Manager of Tung Chung Community（Video Recording）
Q&A on the topic of “Development of East Lantau Metropolis in the Central Waters” and “Tung Chung Economy and Employment Opportunities”
Panelists
1. Mr. Chan Kim Ching, member of Liber Research Community
2. Ms Chiu Sin Ting, Project Manager of Tung Chung Community
3. Mr. Allen Ha , the Founding Chairman of Lantau Development Alliance
4. Dr Tom Yam, member of South Lantau Concern group
5. Mr. Lai Cheuk Ho, Principal Assistant Secretary (Works)5, Development Bureau
6. Mr. LAM Sai Hung, Project Manager (HK Island & Islands), Civil Engineering and Development Department
7. Ms. Amy Cheung, Assistant Director of Planning/Territorial
8. Mr. Ricky Lau, Deputy Head of Civil Engineering Office ( Port & Land ), Civil Engineering and Development Department
9. Miss. Winnie Lau, Chief Town Planner/Strategic Planning, PlanningDepartment
10. Ms. Donna Tam, District Planning Officer/Sai Kung & Islands, PlanningDepartment
「先發展無保育」 大嶼山勢變醜小鴨 環團促先有保育方案及交通限制 （新聞稿）Develop first, No conservation Lantau will be an Ugly Duckling Green groups urge for implementation of conservation plan and traffic restriction first (Press Release)
（新聞稿）
「先發展無保育」 大嶼山勢變醜小鴨
環團促先有保育方案及交通限制
多個環保團體強烈反對在大嶼山進行任何大型發展，如東大嶼都會和策略性道路系統，並要求政府發展大嶼山時，要以保育作為最優先的原則，促請政府實施環團建議的一系列保育措施(包括交通管制)，以捍衞大嶼山豐富的生物多樣性和人與自然的緊密關係。
2016年1月，大嶼山發展諮詢委員會的第一期工作報告已呈交給政府部門。這份報告提出大量天馬行空和未經評估的發展項目，如東大嶼都會、超大規模的策略性道路系統和大量旅遊設施，包括在大東山上建立觀星和觀景的設施。以上提議的發展項目將會對生態和當地社區帶來災難性的影響，並會破壞大嶼山寧靜的環境和壯麗的景觀。
大嶼山因着其獨特位置，有着豐富及多元的自然生境，包括低窪濕地、山地草原、淡水河流和海洋軟珊瑚等，當中孕育着許多稀有和瀕危的物種，如中華白海豚、馬蹄蟹、喜鹽草、盧文氏樹蛙、素雅灰蝶、香魚、褐魚鴞。最難能可貴的是人和大自然能夠緊密共存，其中大嶼山的牛科動物便因其和居民的和諧關係，被聯合國教科文組織接納為「人文價值景觀遺產」，可見大嶼山絕對是大家的自然寶庫。
可是，這份報告表面上支持可持續發展，卻沒有提出積極的保育措施。大嶼山發展諮詢委員會甚至提議放寬限制道路的交通管制，建立一個策略性的道路系統，以連接港島西、南大嶼、北大嶼和新界西北。這些措施將為地主帶來錯誤的期望，增加當地的發展壓力，阻礙在大嶼山推行任何保育計劃和行動，尤其是那些沒有發展審批地區圖覆蓋，而政府又不能執法的鄉郊地帶，如南大嶼和部分北大嶼地區。結果，在這些沒有納入發展審批地區圖，而沒法檢控入罪的私人土地，生態破壞已不斷蔓延，甚至連貝澳這個具重要生態價值的濕地亦無法倖免。
自然資源並不只是屬於我們，也屬於我們的下一代。胡亂開發、缺乏管制及有效的保育措施，將會迅速破壞大嶼山這個自然寶庫，並令政府所承諾的可持續發展成為空談。
因此，多個環保團體敦請政府部門推行一系列的保育措施：
1. 在任何擬議發展前，制定全面的運輸和交通策略，透過交通管制減低違例發展的經濟誘因，避免擬議的發展超出環境承載量；
2. 修改《城市規劃條例》，讓發展審批地區圖能夠覆蓋南大嶼和黃龍坑，賦予規劃署能執法能力，並繼續加快將北大嶼餘下沒有法定管制的地區，如䃟頭、沙螺灣和深屈等納入發展審批地區圖，以提供法定保護；
3. 所有在大嶼山的發展計劃均應納入現時進行中的「香港2030+：跨越2030年的規劃遠景與策略」，並為所有擬議和計劃中的發展項目進行全面的策略性環境評估；
4. 在生態敏感地區設立不可發展地區，並實施有效的保育管理計劃。
針對東大嶼都會和其相關的交通和運輸策略，環團想特別指出：
1. 任何新的道路建設需要有充分理據，並須就其環境影響、成本效益和公眾利益的作出評估，以及進行公眾諮詢；
2. 環團反對現時建議的東大嶼都會和連接港島西、南大嶼、北大嶼和新界西北的策略性道路系統。因為東大嶼都會需要進行大規模填海工程，對海洋生態和水質造成極大影響，而策略性道路系統則會入侵郊野公園和許多生態敏感地區，為南大嶼，尤其是梅窩，帶來龐大的發展壓力，並會增加在附近水域航運的船隻流量，危害漁業資源和鯨科動物；
3. 東大嶼都會和策略性道路系統的建設沒有得到充分的理據支持，需要動用龐大資金，很可能成為新一個大白象工程。
多個環團亦發起網上聯署平台，鼓勵公眾就大嶼山發展向政府部門發表意見：
(英文網址: https://www.designinghongkong.com/forms/view.php?id=64298)
(中文網址：https://www.designinghongkong.com/forms/view.php?id=64884)
環團所列在大嶼山不同地區具重要保育價值的物種／生境（以英文版為準）
英文網址：Lantau green groups joint letter – appendix
中文網址：Lantau joint letter – appendix_final_ chinese
聯署團體(依筆劃序)：
大嶼山愛護水牛協會
世界自然基金會香港分會
長春社
香港觀鳥會
香港海豚保育學會
島嶼活動行動
創建香港
綠色力量
(Press Release)
Develop first, No conservation
Lantau will be an Ugly Duckling
Green groups urge for implementation of conservation plan and traffic restriction first
Green groups strongly object to any large-scale development such as East Lantau Metropolis and the strategic road systems and request the government to make conservation the top priority for Lantau development, to safeguard the rich biodiversity and the close relationship between humans and nature on Lantau. The groups have presented a list of conservation measures (including traffic restriction) it urges the government to implement.
The First-term Work Report made by Lantau Development Advisory Committee (LanDAC) has been submitted to the Administration on January 2016.
This report proposed massive, “creative” and unassessed developments such as East Lantau Metropolis, super large-scale strategic road systems and numerous tourism facilities including viewing and stargazing facilities for the Sunset Peak. The proposed developments will have disastrous impacts on the ecosystem and the local community, and destroy the tranquil environment and magnificent landscape of Lantau.
Because of its unique location, Lantau has rich and diversified natural habitats such as low-lying wetlands, montane grasslands, freshwater streams and soft coral marine habitats. These habitats breed many rare and endangered species such as Chinese White Dolphin, Horseshoe Crab, Oval Halophila, Romer’s Tree Frog, Common Cerulean, Ayu Sweetfish and Brown Fish Owl. The most valuable thing is that human can live with nature closely. Bovine on Lantau was accepted as “heritage and landscape as human values” by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization for harmonic human-bovid relationship. This can show Lantau is definitely a nature treasure for us.
However, this First-term Work Report claims to support sustainable development but no positive conservation measure is proposed. LanDAC even proposes to relax the traffic restriction on closed roads, and establish a strategic road network connecting west of Hong Kong Island, South Lantau, North Lantau and North West of New Territories.
These measures would increase the development pressure by giving false hope to land owners, hindering any conservation plans and actions on Lantau, especially in ecologically sensitive rural areas where there is no Development Permission Area (DPA) plan and no statutory protection could be done by government, such as South Lantau and part of North Lantau. As a result, eco-vandalism has long been proliferating with impunity on private land without DPA plans, even in ecologically important wetlands like Pui O.
Our natural environment does not belong to us alone, but the next generations. Reckless development without appropriate controls and active conservation measures will quickly destroy the natural treasure of Lantau and lead to a failure of promised “sustainable development.”
Hence, green groups urge the Administration to implement a list of conservation measures:
1. Before any proposed development, develop a comprehensive transport and traffic strategy and restrict traffic to reduce the economic incentive for unauthorized developments and prevent proposed development from exceeding environmental carrying capacity;
2. Amend the Town Planning Ordinance to allow itself to cover South Lantau and Wong Lung Hang WITH DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLANS, offering enforcement powers for the Planning Department and continue to speed up the process of DPA plan covering on the remaining lands of Lantau such as San Tau, Sha Lo Wan and Sham Wat, which have no statutory control, to provide statutory protection
3. Include any development plans on Lantau in the on-going “Hong Kong 2030+ Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030” study and carry out a comprehensive Strategic Environmental Assessment for endorsement of all the proposed and planned developments on Lantau.
4. Set up NO-GO areas for ecologically sensitive areas and implement active conservation management plan
Regarding to East Lantau Metropolis and associated traffic and transport strategy, green groups highlight:
1. New roads should be well justified, assessed (in the context of environmental impacts, cost effectiveness and public interest), and the public should be consulted before.
2. Green groups object to the proposed East Lantau Metropolis which will create significant impact on marine ecosystem and water quality and strategic road system connecting west of Hong Kong Island, South Lantau, North Lantau and northern-west of New Territories, which will cut through the country parks and ecologically sensitive areas, and create significant development pressure in South Lantau especially Mui Wo and drastically increase vessel traffic in the surrounding waters and threaten fisheries resources and cetaceans
3. The construction of East Lantau Metropolis and the associated strategic road system is not well-justified and will cost a huge amount of money, having a very high potential to become new white elephant project.
Green groups have also launched an online petition platform to motivate the public to express their opinion on Lantau development to the Administration:
(Website: https://www.designinghongkong.com/forms/view.php?id=64298)
Key species/habitats of conservation concern in different areas of Lantau
Website：Lantau green groups joint letter – appendix
Co-signatories (in alphabetical order):
Designing Hong Kong
Green Power
Hong Kong Bird Watching Society
Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society
Lantau Buffalo Association
Living Islands Movememt
The Conservancy Association
WWF Hong Kong
Protect HK’s nature. BSAP Consultation deadline 7 April 2016 保護香港自然生態 《生物多樣性策略及行動計劃》諮詢4月7日截止
（中文往下）
Government is preparing a Biodiversity Action and Strategy Plan.
The objective is to better safeguard Hong Kong’s biodiversity, and to contribute to safeguarding the world’s biodiversity.
Our concern is the absence of a comprehensive debate.
Hong Kong’s land supply strategy and conserving biodiversity need to be looked at as one and not two discussions in separate rooms.
There is also an urgent need to reform legislation to protect habitats on private land, as proven by the ongoing land filling and tree felling throughout rural areas and country parks.
The BSAP consultation will conclude mid-nite 7 Apr 2016.
Below are links to the Government website as well as suggestions and form letters to aid your timely response.
Designing Hong Kong form letter for your use.
An effective Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (by Paul Zimmerman, CEO of Designing Hong Kong)
Other Petitions
1. WWF – Hong Kong – Petition for an effective BASP (English)
2. Conservancy Association – Express your opinion about BASP (Chinese only)
3. Kadoorie Farm& Botanic Garden – A Better World: Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (English)
References
2. Presentations Public forum – BSAP: Charting a sustainable future for Hong Kong – held on 19 March.
政府正在制訂《生物多樣性策略及行動計劃》。
計劃的目標是保護香港的生物多樣性，由此為保護全球的生物多樣性作出貢獻。
但我們擔心有關的計劃缺乏共同的辯論。
香港的土地供應策略和生物多樣性的保育需要作為一個整體看待，不可能分開討論。
同時，我們急須修改法例去保障私人土地上的生境，以阻止現時在鄉郊和郊野公園發生傾倒和斬樹的破壞情況。
《生物多樣性策略及行動計劃》將於4月7日晚上11:59分前截止。
附註的網址是政府相關網頁和各個環團和關注團體的建議和聯署信，希望各位能及時回應。
創建香港就《生物多樣性策略及行動計劃》發起的聯署信
An effective Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (by Paul Zimmerman, CEO of Designing Hong Kong)
其他聯署信
1. 世界自然基金會－香港分會－把握關鍵時機！為環境保育加把勁！（中文）
2. 長春社－向漁護署表達你對《香港生物多樣性策略及行動計劃》的意見（中文）
3. 嘉道理農場暨植物園－《生物多樣性策略及行動計劃》公眾諮詢（中文）
4. 土地正義聯盟向聯合國環境規劃署／生物多樣性公約秘書處發出的聯署信－保護生物多樣性（英文及中文）
參考資料
1. 漁農自然護理署－公眾諮詢－香港《生物多樣性策略及行動計劃》（中文）
2. 公眾論壇的演講「《生物多樣性策略及行動計劃》—計劃香港的永續藍圖」（3月19日）
Zoning Pak Sha O for illegal development
(Photo credit: Conservancy Association)
Protect Pak Sha O – Click and object to zoning:http://protectskpso.weebly.com/
Deadline for comments is 4 February.
We urge you to help the Conservancy Association protect the cultural and architectural landscape and ecology of Pak Sha O, a historic hakka village located in the Sai Kung West Country Park.
In December 2015, a draft Outline Zoning Plan (S/NE-PSO/1) was published for public consultation. It shows where small house developments will be permitted. Surprisingly, it is exactly the land already sold to Xinhua Bookstore Xiang Jiang Group Limited. The Planning Department says that they are responding to villagers’ claims that a large area is needed for small house developments.
But their demand is highly suspect. Records show that villagers sold their agricultural land to Xinhua some 5 years ago. Records also show that recently Xinhua “sold back” the land to villagers who have “ding rights”. Are these villagers acting as frontmen for the developer? Is the demand for small houses genuine or simply a scheme for development profits?
It is a mystery as to why the Planning Department is aiding and abetting this obvious frontmen scheme recently found to be illegal by the District Court. The boundaries of the area the Planning Department is proposing for small houses is near exact the land bought by Xinhua!
We call on the community to object to this blatant development scheme. Help the Conservancy Association by completing the on-line form http://protectskpso.weebly.com/
Just a coincidence? The visual above shows the land bought by Xinhua (pink areas), the land subsequently sold back to villagers in whose names recently applications were submitted for small houses (red dots), and the boundary (brown line) of the proposed v-zone, the area where construction of small houses would be permitted in the future if the Town Planning Board approves the proposal form the Planning Department.
For more information, please see on-line reports (in Chinese) from the Conservancy Association:
立場新聞：丁屋地倍增 白沙澳談什麼「可以居」？
Protect Pak Sha O– Click and object to zoning:
反對破壞二澳及北大嶼郊野公園 Stop the destruction of Yi O and the Lantau North Country Park
請在2月26日或之前反對二澳發展計劃。 二澳是位於北大嶼山郊野公園的不包括土地。部份村民在很久以前已將實質的發展權益售予發展商，當中涉及利益的名人包括劉皇發和謝賢。 當政府在2010年公佈將會透過城規條例或郊野公園條例保護餘下的不包括土地，發展商和村民急忙夥拍林筱魯發展二澳。林筱魯與政府關係密切，同時是大嶼山發展諮詢委員會委員。 整套發展計劃先於2012年以復耕的名義，清除當地的植被和改變河道，破壞了當地的生態。
「以復耕為名，發展為實」的把戲，成功逼使規劃處無法在提交城規會前，將分區計劃大綱圖所覆蓋的荒廢農地劃為保育用地。
大量土地將會用作包括丁屋的屋宇發展，相關發展可無需經過申請或及後透過城規條例得到批准。土地業權人和發展商正要求連接大澳的道路、碼頭和興建包括70間房間的生態旅舍。一旦城規會批准，上述的發展將會長遠地影響北大嶼郊野公園。
更多資訊：
Click here to object to the development of Yi O(Deadline mid-nite 26 February 2016)
Yi O is an enclave deep inside the Lantau North Country Park. Some villagers sold their beneficial interest in the land to developers a decade ago. Well-known names are involved including Lau Wong Fat and Patrick Tse Yin.
In 2010, after Government announced that they would protect the last remaining enclaves under the Town Planning or the Country Park Ordinance, the developers and villagers hurried to bring in Andrew Lam Siu Lo. Andrew is well connected with Government and is on the Lantau Development Advisory Committee.
A vicious plan was put together. The first step was to clear all the vegetation and divert streams. Under the excuse of farming, the ecology was destroyed in 2012.
The ‘fake farming’ trick worked. The Planning Department now finds it difficult to zone the barren land for conservation uses in the Outline Zoning Plan put in front of the Town Planning Board. House developments including small houses will permitted off right or by application for large areas of land. The owners and developers are now also asking for a road to Tai O, a ferry pier, and rights to build a 70-room ‘eco-lodge’. Once permitted, these developments will forever impact the Lantau North Country Park. We need your support – click here to submit your comments and views to the Town Planning Board. More information: Gist of Town Planning Board Representations on Yi O Outline Zoning Plan News clip Yi O development plan News clip Yi O destruction
香港環保團體合力發動行山打卡熱潮 香港巿民透過史無前例的網上動員行動對抗郊野公園發展威脅 Green Groups Create Selfies Fire Storm #SaveOurCountryParks Hongkongers express support for country parks during unprecedented event in response to development threats
香港環保團體合力發動行山打卡熱潮
香港巿民透過史無前例的網上動員行動
對抗郊野公園發展威脅
保衛郊野公園聯盟在今日舉行一個史無前例、覆蓋全港的網上動員行動，以保護香港的郊野公園。首屆的欣賞郊野公園日，主題為 #保衛郊野公園，已於12月第二個星期日舉行。
第一股的行山打卡熱潮已經席捲Facebook，行山人士在全港多個郊野公園分享了過千張標籤了#保衛郊野公園的相片。
近200名來自16個聯盟成員和關注團體的義工在全港設置超過30個義工站，覆蓋全港共24個郊野公園當中的20個。義工將會統計行山人數，並鼓勵行山人士自拍打卡以支持保衛郊野公園。這個網上動員行動為香港巿民提供機會，站出來反對發展郊野公園。
由早上8時至中午12時，總共超過34,106訪客曾進入郊野公園，並透過義工獲得保衛郊野公園的資訊。社交媒體（包括Facebook 活動專頁和Instagram）有著過千相片或影片標籤了 #保衛郊野公園。
前天文台台長及現任香港中文大學地理與資源管理學系客座教授林超英表示：「這個活動非常厲害，令眾多團體能團結起來保護郊野公園，亦給予巿民發聲的機會。」
他補充：「中國政府將『青山綠水』劃入城市規劃方針，香港應該做得更好，不應讓郊野公園受發展威脅。香港獨特和豐富的郊野公園環境，沒有其他世界城市能媲美，發展商和政府絕不應破壞這份瑰寶。今日的活動是呼籲香港巿民站出來，為了我們的下一代展示保衛郊野公園的決心。」
根據郊野公園及海岸公園管理局進度報告，比較上年夏季同期行山人數上升了24.8%，突顯了郊野公園為本港巿民和遊客作為消閒和娛樂場所的重要性。
香港中文大學地理與資源管理學系客座教授王褔義講述了郊野公園的成立歷史和目的，並強調郊野公園應該受到保留和保護。
香港遠足覓合會的發起人沈士基表示：「我們有過萬的會員，熱愛行山的人數不斷上升。郊野公園是一個重要場所，用以認識新朋友、聚會、消閒運動、改善健康等。」
地球之友行政總裁張潔儀稱：「我熱愛郊野公園，亦關注對環境的好處。如提供野生動物棲息地，豐富生物多樣性、樹木吸收二氧化碳（溫室氣體）以緩減氣候變化、綠化環境有助我們的身心健康，郊野公園亦覆蓋著我們的食用水源。」
關注團體促請行政長官梁振英履行競選時的承諾，他曾聲稱「我們會保護郊野公園及具生態及其他價值的土地和水體，以及長遠規劃其他可供開發的土地。」
有關記者發佈會的影片和相將上載至保衛郊野公園Facebook 專頁
更多行山人士的相片可以到 保衛郊野公園：行山打卡Facebook 專頁。
Hongkongers express support for country parks
during unprecedented event in response to development threats
Over 200 volunteers from 16 organisations and individuals set up more than 30 stations at key entrances to 20 of Hong Kong’s 24 country parks. The volunteers counted visitors and asked them to take selfies in support of safeguarding country parks. The mega event gave Hong Kong people an opportunity to stand up and oppose those wanting to use country parks for development.
Prof. Lam added: “The national government has decided to incorporate special ecological areas within its urban planning strategy. We should do likewise, yet there are increasing threats from developments. Hong Kong has a unique treasure with our extensive country parks system – which no other World City can rival. Developers and government should not encroach on this unique asset. Today’s event shows that people care and are willing to stand up to protect the country parks for our next generations.”
According to the Country and Marine Parks Authority’s Progress Report, the number of visitors has increased 24.8% compared with last summer – clearly showing that country parks are ever more important for leisure and relaxation for Hong Kong residents and visitors.
Prof. Wong Fook-yee, adjunct professor of the Geography and Resource Management Department of CUHK, related the history and objectives of establishing Hong Kong country parks, and said they should be conserved and protected.
“We have more than ten thousands members – all of whom love the country parks –and this continues to grow,” said SK Shum, organiser of Hong Kong Hiking Meetup. “The country parks are for gathering and meeting new people, for sports and recreation, for our health.”
Suzanne Cheung, CEO of Friends of the Earth (Hong Kong), said, “I love country parks, and am keenly aware of the environmental benefits – such as providing habitats for wildlife to enhance biodiversity, trees absorb carbon dioxide (GHG) to mitigate climate change, greenery that benefits our mental and physical health, and as a source of clean drinking water.”
The groups also called on the Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying to stay true to his Election Manifesto, in which he promised that “We will protect our country parks and bodies of land and water with ecological value, and formulate long-term plans for other areas of land available for development.”
More photos and pictures on the press meeting will be uploaded on Save Our Country Parks Facebook Page.
For more hikers’ supportive pictures, please visit #SaveOur CountryParks event page.
「保衛郊野公園聯盟」成員和合作團體，包括環保、行山及其他希望保護香港郊野公園的關注組織有：
聯盟成員
Ark Eden、香港地貌岩石保育協會、爭氣行動、創建香港、Eco-Sys Action、香港大學學生會理學會環境生命科學學會、海下之友、西貢之友、大浪灣之友、香港地球之友、綠色社區、綠色大嶼山協會、綠色力量、環保觸覺、綠領行動、綠色和平、香港自然生態論壇、香港單車同盟、香港海豚保育學會、Hong Kong Outdoors、大嶼山愛護水牛協會、島嶼活動行動、活在南丫、勃勃海洋、西貢大浪灣關注組、香港自然探索學會、長春社、香港觀鳥會、世界自然基金會香港分會
合作團體
香港遠足覓合團、Sai Kung Buffalo Watch、守護大嶼聯盟、徑‧香港
“Save Our Country Parks Alliance” Members and Partners include green, hiking and other concern groups who seek to safeguard Hong Kong’s Country Parks:
Members:
Ark Eden, Association for Geoconservation, Hong Kong, Clear the Air, Designing Hong Kong, Eco-Sys Action, Environmental Life Science Society, SS, HKUSU, Friends of Hoi Ha, Friends of Sai Kung, Friends of Tai Long Wan, Friends of the Earth (Hong Kong), Green Community, Green Lantau Association, Green Power, Green Sense, Greeners Action, Greenpeace, HKWildlife.net, Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Hong Kong Cycling Alliance, Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society, Hong Kong Outdoors, Lantau Buffalo Association, Living Islands Movement, Living Lamma, Living Seas Hong Kong, Sai Kung Tai Long Wan Concern Group, Society of Hong Kong Nature Explorers, The Conservancy Association, WWF-Hong Kong.
Partners:
Hong Kong Hiking Meet Up, Sai Kung Buffalo Watch、Save Lantau Alliance, TrailWatch.
東涌河流自然公園計劃 Tung Chung River Nature Park Proposal
數個關注東涌發展的組織已向政府提議沿東涌河和河口設立河流自然公園。計劃希望政府能收購沿東涌河的私人土地。這些私人土地，根據規劃署2014年公佈的東涌新巿鎮建議發展大綱圖，大部份會劃作自然保育區和海岸保護區。
收購方案建基於公眾利益，希望能達致東涌河防洪和保育的目的。我們更建議以防洪為優先的準則下，於東涌河流自然公園設立公眾休閒設施，享受自然環境。
我們相信此計劃能為土地持有人、本地居民和遊客帶來益處。河流自然公園既能為東涌日漸增加的人口，提供高質素的自然環境，又能保護當地社區免受洪水威脅。
關注東涌發展的組織包括： 創建香港、生態教育及資源中心、綠色力量、香港觀鳥會、Hong Kong Outdoors、大嶼山愛護水牛協會、長春社、世界自然（香港）基金會
An alliance of concern groups has submitted a proposal to Government for a River Nature Park covering the Tung Chung River and Estuary.
The proposal is for Government to resume the private land along the Tung Chung River, most of which will be zoned for conservation and coastal protection uses according to the Tung Chung New Town Recommended Outline Development Plan published by the Planning Department in 2014.
It is proposed that the land is resumed for public purposes including flood control andnature conservation. We further propose that the Tung Chung River Nature Park will be managed as a public amenity for leisure, recreation and appreciation of nature, as well as for flood hydraulics.
We believe this proposal will benefit land owners, as well as local residents and visitors. The park will provide a quality nature experience for the growing population of Tung Chung and for visitors, while protecting the community from flooding.
Click here for joint letter about Tung Chung River Nature Park Proposal
Alliance of concern groups includes: Designing Hong Kong, Eco-Education and Resource Centre,Green Power, Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Hong Kong Outdoors, Lantau Buffalo Association, The Conservancy Association, WWF – Hong Kong
FQA 常見問題：Country Parks郊野公園
Title: Whether country park land should be used for building estates?
題目：郊野公園適合建屋?