The Sustainable Lantau office proposes permanent closure of the public beach, reclamation of the central section of the waterfront and demolition of all the buildings and facilities between the mouth of Wang Tong River and Tung Wan Tau.
Government Departments (CEDD and Lands) are drawing up plans to construct a Road Tunnel from Mui Wo to North Lantau. As the public notice states, one option that is being seriously considered is to site the entrance to the tunnel on Silvermine Beach.
The notice was posted on 8 October on the Wang Tong Village notice board with a 14-day deadline for public objections.
This would entail permanent closure of the public beach, reclamation of the central section of the waterfront and demolition of all the buildings and facilities between the mouth of Wang Tong River and Tung Wan Tau.
Living Islands Movement is strongly opposed to this proposal and has lodged objection to the ground investigation works to try to prevent it from getting off the ground. The CEDD feasibility study is due to report in mid-2025. It is clearly not in line with the CEDD Sustainable Lantau Office mandate for “Development in the North, Conservation in the South”.
To object individually you may contact District Lands Office Islands and/or CEDD before Tuesday 22 October 2024.
We object to the very notion that a highway and tunnel along this stretch of waterfront through to the other side of Lantau is preferable to open skies, green hills and a sandy beach where respite from the concrete jungle is one of life’s few guarantees.
Wherever you are, you are encouraged to write and object.
Copy and paste the message prepared by Living Islands Movement:
Subject: Strong Objection to Proposed Tunnel Feasibility Study from Mui Wo to North Lantau
Dear CEDD and Lands Department,
I am writing to formally express my strong objection to the proposed feasibility study for the construction of a tunnel from Mui Wo to North Lantau. This project raises numerous environmental, social, and economic concerns that I believe warrant serious reconsideration.
First and foremost, the proposed entrance at Silvermine Beach is particularly alarming. This location is not only a vital recreational area for residents and visitors but also a crucial habitat for local wildlife. The potential closure of this public beach would limit access to an essential natural resource that supports community well-being and local tourism. The loss of this area would be detrimental to both our local economy and the quality of life for residents who cherish this space for leisure and recreation.
Moreover, the environmental ramifications of this project cannot be overstated. The construction process is likely to involve significant land reclamation, which poses a direct threat to the delicate balance of our coastal ecosystems. The wetlands and mangroves surrounding the proposed site serve as critical nurseries for fish and other marine life, and their destruction could lead to a decline in biodiversity. This is not just an ecological concern—it poses a risk to the livelihoods of local fishermen and those who depend on the health of these ecosystems.
Additionally, the potential for increased traffic and pollution associated with tunnel construction and operation raises significant public health concerns. The influx of vehicles would contribute to air and noise pollution, negatively impacting the health of residents and the natural environment alike. The long-term consequences of such pollution could lead to increased respiratory issues and a deterioration in overall community health.
It is also concerning that the feasibility study appears to lack transparency and adequate public engagement. Many residents are unaware of the full implications of this project, as the information provided has been limited. It is essential that the community has access to comprehensive details about the potential impacts of the tunnel, including environmental assessments and public health evaluations.
Finally, I urge the Lands Department to align its actions with the principles of sustainable development. The CEDD’s mandate—“Development in the North, Conservation in the South”—should prioritize preserving our natural landscapes and ecosystems over potentially disruptive infrastructure projects. This proposed tunnel contradicts the very essence of sustainable practices that we should be striving for in our community.
In light of these concerns, I implore you to reconsider the feasibility of this tunnel project. Our community values our environment and quality of life, and we hope that the Lands Department will take our objections seriously.
Thank you for considering my strong objections. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Ref (5) in LM(1) in LD DLO/IS 240/41/IS
District Lands Office, Islands
19/F Harbour Building
38 Pier Road, Central
leislt2@landsd.gov.hk
For the attention of Ms. H Y Luk, Lands Executive/Lantau2
Sustainable Lantau Office, CEDD (Civil Engineering and Development Department)
Mr. Jason J S Au, Engineer 18(L)
jjsau@cedd.gov.hk
Background
in 2017, the Civil Engineering and Development Department established the Sustainable Lantau Office to coordinate, plan, and implement their infrastructure masterplan for Lantau Island.
The Sustainable Lantau Blueprint is reviewed on a need basis to take into account the latest developments. Each development proposal and the implementation priority will be closely monitored to allow flexibility in responding to changes while meeting the needs of Hong Kong.
The Government will continue to communicate with the public and relevant stakeholders. Public views will be suitably taken into account across the planning and design stages of the projects.
Local organizations continue to submit proposals and community leaders continue to gather and share meeting notes, discuss progress, review the plans and monitor the impact of ongoing infrastructure development.
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Posted: 10 October 2024