The Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) has completed its review of about 65 000 objections received from March 20 to May 31 in regard to the new rateable values in the Valuation List and the Government Rent Roll. Notices of Decision (Form R22A) in respect of these objections have been issued in phases by the RVD.

     A spokesman for the RVD today (November 24) said that anyone who lodged an objection during the above period and who has yet to receive a Notice of Decision by November 30 should contact the RVD's Customer Service Officer at enquiries@rvd.gov.hk or on 2150 8833.

     The spokesman said that any alterations in rateable values as a result of the objections would take effect retrospectively from April 1 this year and adjustments to the amount of rates and Government rent payable would be made in subsequent demand notes.

     The Government announced today (November 24) the latest membership of the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH), including two newly appointed members and a reappointed member.
 
     The two newly appointed members are Miss Ho Alice Chiu-yan and Dr Will Leung Lok-hang. Their tenures run from November 13, 2023, to September 30, 2025. The Controller of Regulatory Affairs of the Department of Health was reappointed for a term of two years starting from October 1 this year.
 
     The COSH is a statutory body established in 1987 to advise the Government on matters related to smoking and health. It is also tasked to advance public education concerning the effects of smoking on the community and individuals, as well as to engage in smoking-related research.
 
     The full membership of the Council with effect from November 13, 2023, is as follows:
 
Mr Henry Tong Sau-chai (Chairman)
Dr Johnnie Casire Chan Chi-kau (Vice-Chairman)
Mr Langton Cheung Yung-pong
Mr Clement Fung Cheuk-nang
Miss Ho Alice Chiu-yan
Dr David Lam Tzit-yuen
Mr Terence Lau Chun-kai
Dr Will Leung Lok-hang
Dr Haston Liu Wai-ming
Professor Phoenix Mo Kit-han
Dr Loletta So Kit-ying
Mr Teddy Tang Chun-keung
Dr Stewart Tung Yuk
Professor Kelvin Wang Man-ping
Controller, Regulatory Affairs, Department of Health

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     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (November 24) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     The Government gazetted a designation order today (November 24) under the Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208) to designate the Robin's Nest Country Park (RNCP).
      
     Robin's Nest is located at Sha Tau Kok in the northeastern New Territories. The designated country park, adjacent to the boundary between Hong Kong and the Mainland, occupies an area of about 530 hectares. Consisting of secondary woodland, shrubland and upland grassland, the RNCP is rich in biodiversity with many plant and animal species of high conservation value, such as red azalea, incense tree, Chinese grassbird and Chinese pipistrelle.
      
     A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said, "Designating Robin's Nest as a country park will confer on the Country and Marine Parks Authority statutory power and responsibilities to carry out management measures in the area concerned for conservation, recreation and education purposes. Regulated under the Country Parks and Special Areas Regulations, the RNCP's biodiversity, natural environment, scenic landscape and cultural heritage resources will be better conserved. In addition, the RNCP is adjacent to the Shenzhen Wutong Mountain Scenic Area, contributing to the creation of a cross-boundary ecological corridor between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and promoting ecological integration between the two places."
      
     The spokesman further said, "The Lin Ma Hang Lead Mine site within the RNCP will be revitalised as an open museum to showcase the mining history and bat ecology to members of the public. Recreational facilities such as a hiking trail network, picnic sites and viewing points, together with supporting facilities such as notice boards, directional signs and rain shelters, will be provided at suitable locations in the park." 
      
     The draft map of the RNCP was made available for public inspection from December 2, 2022, to January 30, 2023. During the period, four objections were received. After the conduct of a hearing held on March 28, 2023, the Country and Marine Parks Board rejected all the objections in whole.
      
     On June 27, 2023, the Chief Executive in Council approved the draft map of the RNCP. The approved map was then deposited in the Land Registry on August 4, 2023, in accordance with the Ordinance.
      
     The designation order in respect of the approved map of the RNCP will be tabled at the Legislative Council on November 29, 2023, for negative vetting, and is expected to commence on March 1, 2024.

     Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Tai Po yesterday (November 23), in which a 73-year-old male minibus driver died.
      
     At 8.37pm, a minibus driven by the 73-year-old man was travelling along Nam Wan Road southbound. When turning right to Kwong Fuk Road, it reportedly lost control and rammed into a kerb.
      
     The driver was trapped inside the vehicle and rescued by firemen. Sustaining serious leg injuries, he was rushed to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 9.30pm. A 58-year-old male passenger sustained abrasion to his hand and leg and was sent to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital in conscious state.
    
     Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories North is underway.
      
     Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 3800.