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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, after attending the Asia-Pacific Seminar on Geological Conservation and Sustainable Development today (August 13):
Secretary for the Environment: This conference is a rather unique one, because very often Hong Kong is commonly recognised as a city of skyscrapers, but not many recognise that we actually maintain quite a greener part of our city, including very unique bio-diversity as well as geo-diversity . The landform and the rocks in Hong Kong are in fact a very precious part of Hong Kong, which can demonstrate that Hong Kong is not just a city of concrete jungle, but of great diversity. I am glad that a regional conference like this is being held which can highlight the more interesting part of Hong Kong other than our vibrant metropolitan district.
Reporter: CLP is planning an LNG terminal in Soko Island. Did the government back the proposal and how would the government strike a balance between sustainable development and conservation?
Secretary for the Environment: As I have presented to the Legislative Council”¦s Environmental Affairs Panel before the summer recess, we are actively considering if Hong Kong needs an LNG terminal as part of the infrastructure as well as a source of supply to replenish CLP”¦s gas supply. We are working on the best mechanism for this facility and obviously it requires a lot of discussion and negotiation with the power company. Looking at the issue on a long term basis, Hong Kong probably needs more natural gas as fuel for our power generation because it can bring cleaner production, cleaner air and lower emissions. Having said that, I think the government is also wearing the hat of the regulator, whereby we will closely scrutinise whether the proposal meets the best interests of consumers and the wider community.
Reporter: Is Soko Island the ideal site?
Secretary for the Environment: The Soko Island is one of the sites selected and has gone through the statutory environmental assessment procedures. Obviously there are still more considerations to come into being. For instance, we are presenting the proposal to the Town Planning Board for consideration. I think the public would have a chance to comment on whether the site is appropriate.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
Ends/Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:45
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