1 March 2005 (Tuesday)

In response to media enquiries about the location of the proposed Container Terminal 10 (CT 10), a spokesperson of the Economic Development and Labour Bureau responded that "No decision has been made on the location of CT10 at this stage".

The Study on Hong Kong Port Master Plan 2020 (HKP 2020 Study) has identified two possible locations for the development of CT10, namely Northwest Lantau and Southwest Tsing Yi. Both sites have their pros and cons. "As recommended in the HKP 2020 Study, we will conduct an ecology study on the Northwest Lantau site to further assess its environmental suitability for constructing CT10." The spokesperson explained. "In parallel, we will update the Port Cargo Forecast to work out the optimal timing for constructing CT10. We will review the port expansion options when more data are available."

"We will have to further evaluate the relative merits and suitability of the Northwest Lantau and Southwest Tsing Yi sites pending further investigations as mentioned above. When a decision is made on the preferred site, detailed Environmental Impact Assessment and feasibility study will have to be conducted to fulfill the various planning requirements. The public will be fully consulted on the proposed plan then," the spokesperson added.

"At present, we have no more than a concept plan for the proposed site at Northwest Lantau. A detailed plan has yet to be drawn when the preferred site is decided," the spokesperson explained.

The HKP2020 Study findings have the support of the Hong Kong Port Development Council, Logistics Development Council and Maritime Industry Council. After a briefing for the Economic Services Panel of the Legislative Council in late November 2004, the draft Executive Summary of the Study was made available for public consultation. Thereafter, the study outcome was also presented to the Town Planning Board and Advisory Council on the Environment.

"During the consultation period, we received submissions from various sectors of the community. We will collate and analyse the views received, and further consult the stakeholders in formulating the programme for implementing the recommendations," said the spokesperson. "Whilst the public consultation period closed on 28 February, we remain open to views and suggestions from members of the public."