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The following is issued on behalf of the Secretariat of Kowloon City District Urban Renewal Forum:
Kowloon City District Urban Renewal Forum (DURF) held its first meeting this afternoon (June 13).
At the meeting, the members first took an overview of the historical and geographic background, economic characteristics, building conditions and planned developments of Kowloon City District. They also decided to meet local stakeholders as soon as possible to collect their views and aspirations on urban renewal for the district. The work plan for the coming year and other operational details, including meeting arrangements, were also discussed.
The Chairman of Kowloon City DURF, Dr Greg Wong, welcomed the Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam, who specially attended this first meeting of the forum. Addressing members at the start of the meeting, Mrs Lam said, "The Government is very supportive of the work of DURF, and I am confident that the establishment of Kowloon City DURF will help the Government in implementing the new Urban Renewal Strategy. I look forward to Kowloon City DURF helping to create a new urban renewal blueprint for Kowloon City."
Dr Wong said, "Kowloon City DURF will provide adequate channels for public engagement, including workshops and seminars, so that the community at large and people in the district will have a chance to give their views on different issues during the urban renewal planning process. Kowloon City DURF will work out a proposed work plan with details of major tasks, such as conducting public engagement exercises at various stages and launching public education/outreach programmes in collaboration with stakeholders. We will be meeting district personalities in the coming months and conducting site visits with a view to establishing close partnership on urban renewal with the stakeholders."
Kowloon City DURF was established on June 1, 2011 and comprises a total of 20 non-official and official members appointed by the Secretary for Development. Dr Wong was appointed as Chairman of the forum. Non-official members include four incumbent members of Kowloon City District Council, two Area Committee members who are centres-in-charge of local non-governmental organisations and professionals from relevant fields.
Members of the public can visit the DURF website at www.durf.org.hk for the latest information and meeting updates.
Ends/Monday, June 13, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:38
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