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The Restored Landfill Revitalisation Funding Scheme was launched by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) at Jordan Valley Park in Kwun Tong today (November 27).
Speaking at the launch ceremony, the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, said, "To expedite the development of gainful facilities at restored landfills, the Government has earmarked $1 billion to set up the Restored Landfill Revitalisation Funding Scheme. We hope to encourage active public participation with a view to optimising the revitalisation opportunities at these sites."
The EPD will invite eligible applications for the use of flat areas on restored landfills in batches. The first batch covers flat areas in the following restored landfills:
(i) Ma Yau Tong Central Landfill (Kwun Tong);
(ii) Pillar Point Valley Landfill (Tuen Mun); and
(iii) Tseung Kwan O Stage I Landfill (Sai Kung).
Non-profit-making organisations (NPOs) or national sports associations (NSAs) are eligible to apply. The scheme is open for applications starting today until April 29, 2016.
The Steering Committee on Restored Landfill Revitalisation Funding Scheme will help the Government select the most suitable project proposals and provide valuable input in expediting the revitalisation and utilisation of restored landfills for the development of compatible uses. At the launch ceremony, Mr Wong expressed his gratitude to the Steering Committee for its hard work in preparing and working out the implementation details of the scheme.
The Chairman of the Steering Committee, Mr Bernard Chan, said, "The Steering Committee looks forward to working closely together with all relevant stakeholders and the Government in the pursuit of worthwhile and innovative project proposals that can turn the restored landfills to gainful and beneficial uses for the community at the earliest opportunity."
Apart from the launch ceremony, a briefing session was held for interested organisations on details of the scheme, assessment criteria and funding support. The participants also toured Jordan Valley Park, which is situated on a former restored landfill, to learn more about how its restored facilities are integrated with green designs and the Park.
There are 13 restored landfills in Hong Kong and six of them have already been developed for public use, including Jordan Valley Park, the Ngau Chi Wan Park, the Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground and the BMX Park at Gin Drinkers Bay. The remaining seven restored landfills are now available for revitalisation under the scheme, namely Ma Yau Tong Central, Ma Yau Tong West, Ngau Tam Mei, Pillar Point Valley, Siu Lang Shui, Tseung Kwan O Stage I and Tseung Kwan O Stage II/III.
For more details and updates on the scheme, please visit the EPD's website (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/rlrfs) or call the hotline at 2872 1658.
Ends/Friday, November 27, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:36
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