posted Jan 10, 2012 6:39 AM by Daniel Clarke
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updated Feb 5, 2012 3:43 PM
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Here are the details of the CPA Plan No. PW-GS11-009 The plan can be clicked on to enlarge or right-clicked to download.
Attached at the bottom of this page is the Scheme describing the construction.
It doesn't go into a lot of detail. Further investigation may provide more information.
The Scheme refers to Roads (Works, Use and Compensation) Ordinance (Chapter 370) which is available here for anyone who has the stamina for it. |
posted Jan 6, 2012 8:44 PM by Daniel Clarke
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updated Jan 7, 2012 1:55 AM
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The Government has formally announced their intention to carry out reclamation on the Yung Shue Wan foreshore to build a Cycle Parking Area near to the ferry pier. The project is PW-GS11-009. To read the public notice click on the image to enlarge. Since April 2009, when the CPA was first proposed, Living Lamma and other members of the public have tried to engage with representatives of District Office by writing letters, attending meetings and preparing reports with alternatives and improvements.
Our primary objections are: - The proposed CPA will not solve the problem of bicycle congestion due to poor design and location.
- The proposed CPA ignores current bottlenecks and choke points.
- The HK$18million budget could be used far more effectively.
- The CPA as proposed will concrete over the last remaining section of undamaged coastline in Yung Shue Wan Harbour
- The design of the CPA is not integrated with the terrain and will create a concrete eye-sore in full view of all who arrive by ferry.
Not only have District Office ignored all objections, but they have doggedly stuck to a flawed plan that contradicts the planning intention for Lamma Island. This plan is a waste of public funds and will have a negative visual impact for people arriving on the island.
The full details of this construction project are not available online. We will attempt to make a scanned copy available as soon as possible. Otherwise you have to view them at one if these offices: Central and Western District Office, Public Enquiry Service Centre, Unit 5, GF The Center, 99 Queens Rd Central Islands District Office, 20F Harbour Building, 38 Pier Rd, Central District Lands Office/Islands, 19F Harbour Building, 38 Pier Rd, Central Any person who wishes to object to the works should address their objections in writing to the Secretary for Transport and Housing, 22nd Floor, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong Objections must reach the office of the Secretary before 6 March 2012
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posted Jan 6, 2012 7:03 PM by Daniel Clarke
Our chairperson, Jo Wilson, was invited to participate in a panel discussion of the recently approved Shek Kwu Chau incinerator. She appears on the RTHK's Backchat along with Elvis Au, Assistant Director of the EPD, Martin Williams founder of Hong Kong Outdoors and Edwin Lau , the director of Friends of the Earth
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posted Dec 17, 2011 6:01 PM by Daniel Clarke
The Town Planning Board (TPB) has rejected the plan to build an enormous development on the South side of Lamma. In their decision they said that it would set an undesirable precedent to allow conservation areas to be rezoned for development. So this is a victory for all of Hong Kong.
Living Lamma and our supporters are, of course, thrilled by the decision and applaud the TPB for its strong stance in favour of Hong Kong and our environment.. Special thanks also go out to everybody who supported the campaign against the Baroque - protesters, letter writers and everyone who helped - Good job, well done! |
posted Nov 30, 2011 9:19 PM by Daniel Clarke
IMPORTANT - the TPB meeting is at 2.30 p.m. (not 9 a.m.) North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong You can observe the proceedings (but not participate) by phoning 2231 5061 to reserve a place. There is no opportunity for protest inside the building, but if you are in the vicinity and want to reuse your banner, T-shirt, turtle outfit, or just make some noise, we will be there 20 minutes before the meeting starts. Many thanks to everyone who has taken part in the campaign to save South Lamma. We have raised our objections through the proper channels. The protest on Saturday was not only a demonstration of common sense and care for nature, but also a great show of "the Lamma spirit", which we found to our delight extends to friends throughout Hong Kong who, like us, lobby for environmental improvement and a sensitive approach to development.
Thank you also to those who signed our petition. We have now copied and distributed these to 20 senior government and Legco members, as well as our local district councillor. We had more than 1100 hard copy signatures and 580 on-line, and we keep receiving more. We will keep the on-line petition open and accept completed hard copy petitions - they may be needed after Friday! Please scan and send to: livinglamma@yahoo.com or drop us a line and we will arrange to get them from you.
Finally, we hope the meeting will deliver an emphatic NO to the development of South Lamma by the Baroque. However, we hope that this threat to Lamma's ecology will result in the area being properly protected as a marine and country park in future. This will require further campaigning and we look forward to your support. |
posted Nov 22, 2011 4:23 AM by Daniel Clarke
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updated Nov 22, 2011 3:25 PM by Living Lamma
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The next stage in the developers' plan to build The Baroque on Lamma is to try to re-zone protected coastline and environmental areas for residential buildings. The Town Planning Board meets on 2nd December to consider their application.
Living Lamma and others who oppose this project have already raised objections through the proper channels. But in advance of the TPB meeting, it is important that we raise further awareness of the permanent damage this project would cause to one of Hong Kong's most beautiful natural assets.
We have recently discovered that the Baroque employs a member of the TPB, who has been actively campaigning for the project. While we assume that the member has declared his interest and will not be voting, this highlights the additional challenge to green groups if members of the TPB responsible for decisions on Hong Kong's ecological assets show themselves to be so development minded.
We are therefore organising a petition and protests in advance of the TPB meeting and invite you and your organisation to participate.
For more information and how you can help please read this page.
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posted Oct 27, 2011 6:23 AM by Daniel Clarke
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updated Oct 27, 2011 6:23 AM
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Living Lamma is not a political organization. However our concerns for the environment, community and public spaces of Lamma mean that we are keenly interested in the local government and it's activities.
To help Living Lamma members and all those who strive for a better Lamma to be informed about the issues we have asked the Candidates questions about our favourite topics.
The questions and their answers can be found on our new Election 2011 page.
So if you are interested in: - The design of the bike park proposed by the government
- The proposal by the Baroque to develop SouthLamma as a hotel, marina and housing complex
- The government's proposal for a PhaseII reclamation of Yung Shue Wan harbor
- The government's proposal to develop the quarry site as a housing complex
- The design of minor public works on Lamma
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posted Oct 9, 2011 2:56 AM by Daniel Clarke
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updated Oct 9, 2011 2:57 AM
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 On October 5 the Lamma Ramblers did a fantastic job cleaning up Powerstation Beach. The got rid of 11 bags of rubbish and 3 abandoned tires. You can see more of their photos on their website.
Another Lamma beach clean up will be next Sunday (Oct 16) in Tung O. It's going to be a big one so check out the details here.
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posted Oct 5, 2011 12:31 AM by Daniel Clarke
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updated Oct 10, 2011 8:50 AM
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DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS 14TH OCTOBER
Do not be fooled by the latest newsletter by the Baroque on Lamma now available on both sides of the Lamma pier.
Some history... Living Lamma first met with the Baroque in January this year. We were treated to a Powerpoint presentation of airbrushed views and beautiful locations from around the world, all of which the developer was passing off as their own development for South Lamma.
The developer refused to provide us with the presentation to share this with our members, but promised further consultation. The next contact came only after we wrote to them a day before they submitted their plans to the Town Planning Board in May this year.
Let us be clear...
The application in front of the Town Planning Board is to convert land that is zoned for agriculture (that one half of the partnership - King Wong - the half that is also responsible for the failed 'luxury' development at Tannery Bay on North Lamma - has been buying up quietly for the last 10 years), for conservation and for coastal protection into land that is zoned for development, in order to build a hotel, a 500 berth marina, a shopping plaza, 900 flats and car parking for 130 vehicles.
The developer withdrew from the hearing scheduled for July in the face of 1107 objections, including hand written letters from indigenous villagers from South Lamma. (This compared to 64 letters in favour of the project from the few who might profit from it.) The developer asked for a 3-month extension to provide further information.
They now appear to be proposing to move nature into a "corridor" and pass themselves off as some kind of philanthropic green venture. No mention is made of the development - neither the enormous disruption that will be caused by putting in the water, electricity and sewage systems that will be required, nor the concrete required for the construction of the hotel, marina, housing and car parks. No mention of either that they seek to rezone land that is conservation area and coastal protection area for the private gain of a developer.
They talk about the nature and history of South Lamma as if they have invented it and already own it, with a clear sell to NGOs: support us and we will employ you.
It seems they have listened to the ideas and read the objections from green groups, academics and individuals that are engaged in conservation, organic farming or heritage projects and turned those into sweeteners for the plan. They will promise anything to get the zoning changed - never mind that they have no eco-experience or green credentials. They already own the agricultural land and have deep pockets. The other half of the partnership, Agile, is a massive mainland developer, whose CFO has recently been indicted of insider trading.
SO PLEASE, PLEASE, SAY 'NO' TO THIS DEVELOPMENT
- View the application on the Town Planning Board website.
- Click on "Make New Comment" link
- You can also write by post to: 15th Floor, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong
- By Fax: 2877 0245 / 2522 8426 5. By Email: tpbpd@pland.gov.hk
Living Lamma has already made submissions, which are available on our website. We have taken part in a Social Impact Assessment workshop organised by ERM, consultants for the Baroque. We found the methodology of the SIA to be inadequate and our observations are contained in the attachments at the foot of our webpage on South Lamma.
We have been invited to take part in a forum organised by the developer this Saturday. We have declined to participate, along with the following groups: WWF, Designing Hong Kong, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, The Conservancy Association, The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, ABLE Charity, The South Lamma Concern Group, Association for Tai O Environment and Development, Green Lamma Group, Association for Geoconservation, Oceanic Love, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Linking Individuals for Nature Conservation (LINC), Living Islands Movement, Green Lantau, Save Our Shorelines, Lamma Happy Dragons and Lamma Ladies Dragon Boat Clubs, and Lamma Outrigger Canoe Club.
The Town Planning Board responds to volume of objections, and even if you have done so before, please write again before 14th October 2011, to say that the new information makes no difference and that you still strongly object to the project. Please encourage your friends and neighbours to do the same.
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All photos taken on South Lamma. Photo credits: Jo Wilson |
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posted Oct 1, 2011 10:47 PM by Daniel Clarke
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updated Oct 1, 2011 11:01 PM
]
Sunday 16th October 2011
All welcome!!
The Hong Kong Hiking Meet Up Group, Green Lamma and Living Lamma are organising another clean up of Tung O beach on South Lamma on Sunday 16th October 2011. Last time, 50 volunteers transformed the beach. The rubbish is back and we hope to have even more people take part this time.
To take part in the Big Beach Clean Up head over to Sok Kwu Wan for 9.15 am and meet in front of the Tin Hau Temple in Sok Kwu Wan.
If you have friends in town, who would like to come along, they need to take the 8.35 am ferry to Sok Kwu Wan from Central. The temple is along the main street to the right.
Please note:
- The walk from Sok Kwu Wan to Shek Pai Wan (via Tin Hau Temple) is about 45 minutes. The return trip (via Mo Tat Village) will take around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- If you need a toilet stop, the loos are opposite the ferry pier.
- Participants should ensure sufficient food and water for self consumption. Water and soft drinks may be available at a nearby village, but this cannot be guaranteed.
- Participants should take all safety precautions by wearing appropriate clothes and shoes, and any other necessary personal items. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and mosquito repellent are recommended for sunny days.
- Intended participants should consider carefully whether they wish to take part in the event as no accident insurance will be provided. Therefore, in case of an accident, organizer will not bear any legal liability.
- The Environmental and Hygiene Department will provide the necessary gloves and garbage bags in support of the event.
- Please notify us of your participation by email togreenlammagroup@yahoo.com.hk so we can ensure sufficient bags are provided.
- On the day, you may call Siu Yu (Chinese) on or Jo (English) on 90423241 if you require assistance.
Guidelines for poor weather conditionsTwo hours before the meeting time:
a) The event will be cancelled in circumstances where the yellow, red, or black rainstorm warning, or where No.3 or higher typhoon signal, is hoisted by the Hong Kong Observatory, or will be hoisted several hours later.
b) The event will also be cancelled in circumstances where heavy rainstorm or thunderstorm warnings are issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, or are forecast for several hours later.
Other Clean Up Events
Living Lamma is also continuing its neighbourhood clean ups on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Please chose an area that you would like to see cleaned up, recruits some friends or neighbours and have a go. Send us before and after shots or tell us about the weird and wonderful things that you find. Email livinglamma@yahoo.com. In September we had a great response with clean up in Tai Peng New Village, Tai Peng Old Village, near the primary school, along the cable road, and the beach near the fishermen's village.
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