A three-month public consultation will be launched from November 29 inviting views on the development of Lantau.

The Lantau Development Task Force said the concept plan for Lantau aims to provide a coherent planning framework to meet a diversity of land use needs.

Financial Secretary Henry Tang, the task force's chairman, visited the island during the weekend to explore some of the possible development themes.

He said the Government wants to develop a framework which will strike a balance between economic development, and conservation of the island's beautiful nature and valuable cultural heritage. 

Potential attraction: Financial Secretary Henry Tang visits Lantau to explore some of the possible development themes; Cheung Sha Beach has the potential to develop theme attractions based on local character and natural landscape; an artist's impression of the proposed entrance piazza at Mui Wo.

In formulating the plan, the task force has adopted a balanced and sustainable planning approach integrating both development and conservation needs. 

Themes identified for discussion

A few key development themes and proposals has been identified for community discussion. They include:

* economic infrastructure and tourism proposals to enhance Hong Kong's economic competitiveness;

* theme attractions based on heritage;

* local character and natural landscape;

* maximising the recreation potential of country parks; and

* meeting nature conservation needs to achieve balanced planning.

The proposals put up for public consultation are conceptual in nature for community discussion at this stage. Comments and suggestions from the public will be fully taken into account in firming up the concept plan.

The public consultation will last until February 28. Briefings and public forums will be arranged for various sectors.

Members of the public can send their views to the task force via Lantau & Islands District Planning Office, 15/F, Shatin Government Offices, 1 Sheung Wo Che Road, Shatin by post. Suggestions can also be sent by fax (2890 5194) or by e-mail (lidpo@pland.gov.hk).

Consultation digests and leaflets will be available from the Planning Department's  Public Enquiry Counter on 17/F, North Point Government Offices and District Offices Public Enquiry Services Centres starting tomorrow.