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1. Revamp of Ocean Park will double number of attractions
AGNES LAM , SCMP 24 November 2006

Officials look on as park chairman Allan Zeman (second from right) and Financial
Secretary Henry Tang (right) discuss plans. Photo: Martin Chan

Ocean Park yesterday kicked off its HK$5.5 billion redevelopment, which will double the number of attractions to more than 70 by 2012.

Park chairman Allan Zeman, who never fails to surprise with media stunts, stripped off his suit and trousers to reveal a gold jumpsuit, complete with tool belt, for the launch ceremony.

"We will have new attractions every year opening up to make sure that more locals and tourists will visit our park," Mr Zeman said. "By 2010 or 2011, we'll get to 5 million visitors and this year will finish with more than 4.3 million visitors. As we keep coming up with new attractions, we should be able to surpass our target."

Construction will be carried out in eight phases, and the park will remain open during the redevelopment period.

Some of the attractions, such as the animals, will have to be moved because of the work.

When asked whether he was worried about transport options to the park, Mr Zeman said: "I would like to have the south island [MTR] line, and I know the government is studying it. We want to make sure that it is easy for tourists to come. I am cautiously optimistic that eventually we'll get the south island line."

The government last year decided to review the proposal for the MTR link, which would connect the park with Admiralty.

Financial Secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen, who also attended the ceremony, said the government was aware of public opinion regarding the line, and was reviewing the proposal extensively. He said he hoped to have an answer soon.

Apart from increasing the number of attractions from the present 35 to more than 70, Mr Zeman said he was waiting for the mainland to make an official announcement about giving Hong Kong two more pandas which would be housed at the park.

"I wait for China to give us some good news. China needs to make an announcement officially if that is really going to happen. I am very cautiously optimistic. I would like to have pandas and I have been talking about that for three years. If we could have two more pandas, that would be wonderful."

2. Greens question reclamation plan for an artificial beach
CHLOE LAI , SCMP 24 November 2006

Town Planning Board members will be asked this morning to comment on a plan to reclaim nearly 2 hectares of land near the Plover Cove reservoir for an artificial beach, although the mandatory environmental impact assessment is still under way.

Environmentalists have questioned the need for the project, and why it is being rushed when the impact on the picturesque corner of Tolo Harbour is still unknown.

The Civil Engineering and Development Department wants to build a 200-metre artificial beach at Lung Mei, Ting Kok.

The project, which originally envisaged reclamation of 1.02 hectares, now requires 1.9 hectares because the department wants to widen the coastal road, which runs from Tai Po to Sha Tau Kok. The plan also calls for parking spaces for 100 cars and coaches.

The department intends to gazette the reclamation next April, begin construction in November 2008 and open the beach in April 2011.

The Planning Department considers the plan acceptable in regards to traffic and public safety.

Conservationists warn, however, the reclamation will take place just 500 metres east of a 37.5 hectare area with special scientific interest and 500 metres west of a nature reserve. The area is well known for its mangrove forest.

Conservancy Association chairwoman Betty Ho Siu-fong asked why the government was rushing the plan when the environmental impact was still unknown.

"Why should the government create a beach when in the natural environment it is not a beach?" she asked. "We have great beaches in Sai Kung: the plan makes no sense. Many people go there to paddle, only minimal works such as building boardwalks is enough to improve the area."

She said the government should wait for the impact assessment and attach the report for the board's consideration.

The Civil Engineering and Development Department commissioned an environmental impact assessment in July. A spokeswoman said it was too early to know when it would be ready.

She said board members did not have to make a decision at this morning's meeting. "The plan will be presented by the Planning Department. It is only an update, Town Planning Board members do not have to make decision now."