Author Archives: hksar gov

     Following is a question by the Hon Jimmy Ng and a written reply by the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, in the Legislative Council today (June 13):
 
Question:
 
     It is learnt that all public hospitals experience an overflow of patients every year when Hong Kong enters an influenza peak season. It has been reported that since 1997, the total number of public hospital beds has increased only slightly by 2.9%, which is far lower than the 11% growth of Hong Kong’s population during the same period. This, coupled with the increasing demand for medical services arising from an increasingly ageing population, has resulted in a persistent short supply of public hospital beds. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the authorities’ plans to increase public hospital beds and construct new hospitals in the coming five years and the latest progress of such plans (including the timetable), as well as how such plans will address the increased healthcare needs brought about by the ageing population in Hong Kong; and
 
(2) as the “Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030” projects that special medical facilities (including a Chinese medicine hospital and testing centre) will, in addition, take up about five hectares of land, of the criteria and assumptions adopted by the Government in arriving at that projected figure on land demand, and the relevant details?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     Having consulted the Development Bureau, my reply to the various parts of the question raised by the Hon Jimmy Ng is as follows:
 
(1) In the recent years, a number of hospital redevelopment, expansion and development projects have been completed and put into operation including the development of North Lantau Hospital, Tin Shui Wai Hospital, Main Clinical Block and Trauma Centre of Prince of Wales Hospital, Ambulatory Care Block of Tseung Kwan O Hospital, phase 2 redevelopment of Caritas Medical Centre and redevelopment of Yan Chai Hospital. Hong Kong Children’s Hospital is scheduled to commence service by phases from the fourth quarter of 2018.
 
     To cater for the growing healthcare service demand and to improve existing services, $200 billion has been earmarked for the Government and the Hospital Authority (HA) to implement the first 10-year Hospital Development Plan (HDP) in 2016. The first 10-year HDP covers the construction of a new acute hospital, redevelopment and expansion of 11 hospitals, construction of three community health centres and one supporting services centre. In terms of deliverables, the first 10-year HDP will provide around 5 000 additional beds, 94 additional operating theatres, 30 haemodialysis day beds, three oncology centres and one state-of-the-art neuroscience centre, and also increased capacity of specialist outpatient clinics and general outpatient clinics.
 
     In response to the increasing demand for healthcare services due to demographic changes, the Government has invited the HA to start planning the second HDP. In formulating the second HDP, the HA will take into account a number of factors, including demographic changes, service utilisation and changes in service delivery models of each district, with a view to having a comprehensive projection of the future demand for public healthcare services, including the demand for hospital beds.
 
     Besides, HA will continue to provide additional beds for existing and newly completed hospitals through its annual plan. HA has provided 250, 231 and 229 new beds in 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 respectively. To meet the growing demand arising from the growing and ageing population, HA will open a total of 574 additional beds in 2018-19.
 
     The HA will regularly monitor and review the utilisation rates and demand trend of various healthcare services. It will also enhance the service capacity, undertake hospital development projects and implement other suitable measures to ensure that public healthcare services can meet the public needs.
       
(2) Medical facilities occupy mainly “Government, Institution or Community” (G/IC) land. The estimates on the future G/IC land requirement in “Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030” (Hong Kong 2030+) are mainly categorised into two broad types. The first is the major special facilities, which are those facilities supported by specific policies and are not tied to population level according to the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG). These land requirements are provided by relevant policy bureaux.  Table 3-1 of the topical paper “Consolidated Land Requirement and Supply Analysis” (Topical Paper), prepared for Hong Kong 2030+, summarises the land requirement assessment regarding these major special facilities. Medical facilities in the table mainly include a Chinese medicine hospital and testing and quarantine facilities as mentioned in the question. The link to the Topical Paper is as follows: www.hk2030plus.hk/document/Consolidated%20Land%20Requirement%20and%20Supply%20Analysis_Eng.pdf.
 
     The second type is population-based facilities, which generally refer to those having population-based requirements under HKPSG, including schools, district recreational facilities, medical facilities, etc. For these facilities, we mainly adopted the land/person ratio to estimate their future land requirements. With reference to the recommended planned provisions of relevant facilities for the Kwu Tung North New Development Area, a 3.5 square meters land/person ratio is adopted in the aforementioned Topical Paper. The estimated G/IC land requirement calculated according to the above ratio is about 343 hectares, including population-based medical facilities, such as the land requirement arising from general hospitals, clinics and community health centres. read more

     Following is a question by the Hon Kenneth Leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, in the Legislative Council today (June 13):   Question:        Pursuan… read more

     Following is a question by the Hon Tony Tse and a reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, in the Legislative Council today (June 13):
 
Question:
 
     In December 1999, the Government signed an agreement with The Walt Disney Company for a joint venture to develop the Hong Kong Disneyland (HKDL). The Government reserved a 60-hectare site immediately to the east of HKDL for the second phase development of HKDL (Phase 2 site). Under the relevant Option Deed, the Hongkong International Theme Parks Limited (HKITP), which develops and operates HKDL, was given an option with a validity period of 20 years to buy the Phase 2 site. However, given the slow pace of HKDL’s expansion in recent years, Phase 2 site has all along been left vacant. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) whether it knows the respective estimated and actual attendances of HKDL in each year from 2005, in which HKDL commenced operation, to 2017, and the estimated attendance in each year from 2018 to 2030, as well as the basis for the estimation; 

(2) whether it has studied ways to better utilise the vacant Phase 2 site before HKITP exercises the aforesaid option; if so, of the details and outcome, and whether it will let the site by way of short-term tenancies; if it has not studied, whether it will expeditiously conduct such a study; and 

(3) given that the aforesaid option, which will expire in 2020, is subject to two five-year extensions by HKITP according to the provisions in the Option Deed, of the details of the relevant provisions (including the years for using the site once the option is exercised, restrictions on uses, as well as the method and criteria for calculating the land premium); whether the Government will discuss with HKITP the early cancellation of the option, with a view to better utilising the site for other uses as early as possible? 

Reply:
 
President,
 
     Thanks the Hon Tony Tse for the question.
 
     In 1999, the Government and the Walt Disney Company (TWDC) reached an agreement to develop the Phase 1 of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) at a reclaimed site of about 126 hectares at Penny’s Bay, Lantau Island. Since its opening in September 2005, HKDL has been in operation for nearly 13 years. It is a major component of the tourism infrastructure in Hong Kong and one of the most popular tourist attractions for both local and non-local visitors. It also helps consolidate our position as an international premier tourist destination.
 
     In its first 12 years of operation, HKDL received over 70 million guests. Their additional spending in Hong Kong was around $166.2 billion, which generated total value-added of $90.9 billion for Hong Kong’s economy, equivalent to 0.35 per cent of Hong Kong’s gross domestic product. HKDL also created a total of 232 500 jobs for Hong Kong’s economy over the same period, providing considerable job opportunities for frontline workers and Hong Kong’s tourism industry.
 
     Over the years, HKDL has been strengthening its appeal to visitors through sustained efforts to enrich its attractions and entertainment offerings. Apart from the new ride Iron Man Experience and the new hotel Disney Explorers Lodge launched last year, HKDL has been actively taking forward its expansion and development plan since the second half of last year and various newly built attractions would be launched progressively from this year to 2023.
 
     My reply to the three parts of the question is as follows:
 
(1) As mentioned above, HKDL received over 70 million guests in its first 12 years of operation, which exceeded the Government’s relevant estimation for the same operating period made in 2009 when considering HKDL’s expansion with three new themed areas, i.e. 59 million. HKDL’s actual annual attendance from its opening to fiscal year 2017 is at Annex. In gist, HKDL’s attendance had been increasing during the first nine years after its opening, reached the highest in 2014, dropped in 2015 and 2016, and picked up in 2017. 

     Looking ahead, taking into account the relevant attendance data of HKDL’s operation and after its expansion in the past, it is estimated that HKDL’s attendance, with the progressive launch of new attractions under the expansion and development plan and the overall improvement in the tourism industry, would regain growth momentum. We estimate that HKDL’s attendance would be around 9.1 million to 9.3 million in fiscal year 2030.
 
(2) & (3) When the development of HKDL was finalised in 1999, the Government, considering the future expansion and development of the resort, agreed to reserve a reclaimed site of around 60 hectares to the east of HKDL for its possible Phase 2 development (the Phase 2 site).
 
     According to the Option Deed signed in 2000 between the Government and the Hongkong International Theme Parks Limited (i.e. the joint venture with the Government and TWDC as shareholders, “the joint venture”), the joint venture has an Option to purchase the Phase 2 site for taking forward HKDL’s further development. Such option is valid for 20 years until 2020 and may, in accordance with the Option Deed, be extended twice, each for five years. During the validity period of the Option, if the joint venture purchases the Phase 2 site in accordance with the Option Deed, the land premium, as per the Deed, would base on the amount of $2.812 billion at 1999 prices which would be adjusted for inflation between 1999 and the time of purchase in line with the Composite Consumer Price Index. Considering that the Phase 2 development is one of the proposals for HKDL’s overall development in future, the Government and TWDC as shareholders of the joint venture would review the development situation as appropriate.  Currently, we have no intention to change the original arrangements.
 
     The Government understands the concerns of this Council and the general public about better utilisation of land. Thus, the Government explores and considers from time to time whether the Phase 2 site can be put to compatible use(s) that would better utilise the site and, at the same time, benefit the tourism industry or the community.
 
     Before the joint venture exercises the Option, the Phase 2 site can currently be used for various short-term uses as listed in the Deed of Restrictive Covenant, including recreational, sports and cultural facilities, etc. When considering these short-term uses, we also need to take into account whether such uses are compatible with the use and atmosphere of HKDL. In fact, the Phase 2 site was used for hosting some short-term activities in the past, such as sports activities and group events. Recently, we have also received some proposals, and are exploring and discussing with the relevant parties. When there is progress and at an appropriate juncture, we would finalise them and make announcement. We will continue to actively pursue the better utilisation of the Phase 2 site to further exploiting the recreation, entertainment and tourism positioning in the vicinity of HKDL. This would be conducive to HKDL’s on-going development, Hong Kong’s tourism industry and overall economy.  read more

     A woman who went missing in Sham Shui Po was located.      Lee Siu-kuen, aged 52, went missing after she was last seen on Ki Lung Street on June 9 afternoon. Her family made a report to Police on the same… read more

     Special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Happy Valley today (June 13). The arrangements will come into effect one and a half hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.

A. Traffic arrangements before the commencement of the first race

1. Road closure

     Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Queen’s Road East and the up-ramp outside Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) will be closed except for vehicles heading for Aberdeen Tunnel.

2. Traffic diversions

– Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Village Road and the up-ramp outside HKJC will be re-routed one way northbound;
– Vehicles from eastbound Queen’s Road East heading for Wan Chai and Happy Valley will be diverted to turn left to Morrison Hill Road;
– Traffic along southbound Morrison Hill Road heading for Happy Valley will be diverted via Sports Road and Wong Nai Chung Road;
– Traffic along Queen’s Road East cannot turn right to Wong Nai Chung Road except for vehicles heading to Aberdeen Tunnel;
– Traffic from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Queen’s Road East will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from southbound Canal Road flyover to Morrison Hill Road to turn right at the junction of Wong Nai Chung Road and Queen’s Road East; and
– Traffic from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Happy Valley or Racecourse will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from southbound Canal Road flyover to Canal Road East, southbound Morrison Hill Road, Sports Road and Wong Nai Chung Road.

B. Traffic arrangements during the race meeting

1. Road closure

     The following roads will be closed from 35 minutes before the start of the last race:

– The up-ramp on Wong Nai Chung Road outside HKJC leading to Aberdeen Tunnel;
– Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Queen’s Road East and the up-ramp leading to Aberdeen Tunnel;
– Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Village Road and the Public Stands of HKJC;
– Westbound Leighton Road between Wong Nai Chung Road and Canal Road East; and
– Southbound Morrison Hill Road between Leighton Road and Queen’s Road East.

     In addition, southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between the up-ramp leading to Aberdeen Tunnel and the Public Stands of HKJC will be closed from about 10 minutes before the start of the last race.

2. Traffic diversions

     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented from 35 minutes before the start of the last race:

– Eastbound Queen’s Road East at its junction with Morrison Hill Road will be reduced to one-lane traffic heading for northbound Canal Road flyover;
– Vehicles from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Wan Chai will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from Canal Road East, U-turn slip road beneath Canal Road flyover, Canal Road West and Hennessy Road;
– Vehicles from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Happy Valley will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from Canal Road East, eastbound Leighton Road and Wong Nai Chung Road;
– Traffic on southbound Morrison Hill Road will be diverted to turn left to eastbound Leighton Road;
– Traffic along southbound Morrison Hill Road heading for Happy Valley will be diverted via eastbound Leighton Road and Wong Nai Chung Road; and
– Traffic along westbound Leighton Road will be diverted to Wong Nai Chung Road.

C. Learner drivers prohibition

     Learner drivers will be prohibited to turn left from Caroline Hill Road to Leighton Road between one and a half hours before the start of the first race and one hour after the last race. In addition, learner drivers will be prohibited from accessing the following roads within the above period of time:

– Shan Kwong Road between Yik Yam Street and Wong Nai Chung Road;
– Village Road between its upper and lower junctions with Shan Kwong Road;
– Percival Street between Hennessy Road and Leighton Road;
– Canal Road East; and
– The service road leading from Gloucester Road to Canal Road flyover.

D. Suspension of parking spaces

     Parking spaces on southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Sports Road and Blue Pool Road will be suspended from 11am to 7pm during day racing, from 4.30pm to 11.59pm during evening racing, and from 5pm to 11.59pm during night racing.

     Any vehicles found illegally parked within the precincts of the above affected areas will be towed away without prior notice.

     Actual implementation of road closure and traffic diversion will be made by the Police at the time depending on traffic conditions in the areas. Motorists should exercise tolerance and patience, and follow the instructions of Police on site.


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