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25th Country Parks Visitor Liaison Group Meeting
Meeting Notes of the 25th Country Parks Visitor Liaison Group Meeting
Date : 25-11-2006 (Saturday)
Time : 2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Venue : Room 701, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices
Attendants: 何國雄先生 李國輝先生
吳兆偉先生 冼 卓先生
劉康孫先生 奚小龍先生
周 照先生 梁有勝先生
陳旭明先生 黎民鏗先生
賴慧屏小姐 龍鎮邦先生
黃智仁先生 梁文偉先生
彭少華先生
Mr. Dave Newbery Ms. Nicola Newbery
Ms. Judy Love Eastham Mr. Julien Lallemand
Mr. Mike Bains Mr. Paul Hodgson
Mr. Bob Thomson Ms Cathy PANG
Mr. LEUNG Shu-kan
Committee Members of: 郭志標先生
Representative of Sai Kung Police Station: Mr. LEUNG
Representative of Tai Po District Office : Mr. Larry LAU
Representatives of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department:
Dr. WONG Fook-yee (Chairman)
Dr. YEUNG Ka-ming
Mr. CHEUNG Kwok-wai
Mr. CHAN Tat-wai
Mr. LEE Ying-ming
Meeting Notes: The chairman welcomed all meeting members and invited everyone to introduce oneself.
1. Report on Country Park Current Works and Recent Development
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Mr. Y. M. LEE informed the meeting members on recent works concerning activities in country parks (Items 1.1 – 1.4):
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1.1
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AFCD has launched a new website with comprehensive information on hiking to promote the activity as well as hiking safety. Visiting the website can get updated information of 100 hiking trails in country parks including grading, transport information, photos of starting / finishing points, video clips, weather forecast, mobile phone coverage and trail maintenance information etc.
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1.2
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Illegal Use of Fire
AFCD would step up law-enforcement against illegal use of fire within country parks to synchronize with hill fire prevention propagation. The maximum penalty for illegal use of fire within country parks is a fine of HK$25,000.00 and one year imprisonment.
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1.3
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Forums on Nature Appreciation
Eco-tourism became popular in recent years but services provided were varied. To enhance the skills and knowledge of eco-tourist guides as well as the ability and interest to appreciate nature of the participants, AFCD would organize a series of forums focusing at nature appreciation.
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1.4
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Nature Conservation Activity
AFCD and the Hong Kong Geology Society would jointly organize an Anti Rock Graffiti Campaign at Plover Clove on 10 December 2006. The campaign promotes appreciation of rocks in nature.
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1.5
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Hill Fire Prevention in Country Parks
Mr. T. W. CHAN introduced the hill fire prevention measures in country parks during the dry season from September to April, including the practices and arrangement, fire strategy classification, the division of labour between AFCD and Fire Service Department, fine & penalty of illegal use of fire and prosecution statistics. He gave a brief report on the serious hill fire broke out on 4th of November 2006 in Tai Lam Country Park. Fueled by strong wind, the fire lasted for 50 hours, damaged more than 66,000 trees over an area of 600 hectares. AFCD had worked out a recovery plan for the coming spring, including the planting of 300,000 seedlings and would take at least five years to revitalize the burned area.
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2. Discussions
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2.1
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2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4
2.1.5
2.1.6
2.1.7
2.1.8
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Hill Fire
Mr. Bob Thomson enquired on the classification of hill fire i.e. 1st & 2nd strike hill fire, he opined that Fire Service Department should be call out in the outbreak of every hill fire. He enquired on the channels to announce a fire outbreak warning to country park visitors.
Ms Judy Eastham inquired on the department involved and responsible for propagation and education of hill fire prevention, as well as the feasibility to mobilize volunteers in hill fire prevention.
Meeting members suggested detecting hill fire by satellite and mobile patrol, broadcasting propagation video clips and cutting overgrown in woodlands.
Mr. K. W. CHEUNG replied that an effective division of labour system had been working between AFCD and Fire Service Department for years. When a hill fire occurs (i.e.1st strike), AFCD’s fire crews would attend the scene immediately. If the fire is out of control, 2nd strike would be announced and Fire Service Department would take charge to co-ordinate that fire fighting operation.
Dr. K. M YEUNG replied that AFCD would display notices warning visitors to stay away from hill fire at main entrances / exits of country parks should a hill fire break out and likely to cause danger to visitors. In the event of the hill fire in 1st November, Ranger staff displayed notices at main entrances / exits in Tai Lam Country Park and assist in the evacuation of more than 600 visitors as soon as the fire broke out.
He further informed that a task force of the Security Bureau is coordinating the propagation and education of hill fire prevention. API (Announcement of Public Interest) would be broadcasted frequently during Ching Ming and Chung Yeung Festival. Home Affairs Department, NGOs, volunteers and local community group like Heung Yee Kuk would be involved.
Dr. YEUNG pointed out that observation from fire lookouts at strategic location is an effective way to detect hill fire. As an option, satellite remote senor could not provide sufficient resolution in comparison with ground survey as Hong Kong is merely a tiny spot on the earth.
Mr. K. W. CHEUNG informed that AFCD had cleared 500,000 hectares of overgrown establishing fire-breaks in a total length of 50 k.m. in this fall season.
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2.2
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2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3
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Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve (Hok Tsui)
龍鎮邦先生said that he had tried to get into the restricted area at Cape D’Aguilar but blocked by the barriers erected by PCCW. He asked if AFCD would make an access path there for visitors.
Dr. F. Y. WONG replied that Cape D’Aguilar is a Marine Reserve solely for scientific research, it is a restricted zone and entry permit is required. Entry for recreational purpose would not be entertained.
Mr. Paul Hodgson told the meeting members that the light house managed by Marine Department is still functioning and he enquired if the structure is classified as a monument.
(Post meeting note: The Cape D’Aguilar lighthouse has been designated as a monument by the Antiquities and Monuments Office.)
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2.3
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2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.3
2.3.4
2.3.5
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Country Park Extension Scheme & Facilities
A meeting member enquired and comment on the following items:
a. The progress of the Lantau North Country Park Extension and further suggested that more areas to be included in the scheme.
b. The distance in between of the distance posts of the path under the Ngong Ping cable car line is differed from the normal length of 500 metres as in other hiking trails, which would confuse hikers.
c. The path at Tai To Yan was eroded by mountain bikes and there were few facilities at both slopes.
d. Renovation scheme for the war relic in the countryside?
e. Progress of the trail scheme on the use of electric BBQ stove.
Dr. K. M. YEUNG replied to item a. to d.:
a. The extend of the country park extension is subject to the availability of resources.
b. The path under the cable car line was a property of and maintained by the MTR Corp. The distance between those distance posts are different from those in country parks. Nevertheless, the posts still serve the function of letting hikers to locate themselves and for report of location in case of emergency.
c. AFCD maintained the trail at Tai To Yan primarily for hiking and therefore few facilities were provided. Cycling on the trail is an offence.
d. The war relics at Pinewood Battery and at Gin Drinker’s Line had been renovated and reopened for public’s visit. A number of war relics are located outside country park areas and some may need substantial resources for renovation by relevant departments.
e. Mr. K. W. CHEUNG replied that to the electrical BBQ stoves are well received by visitors. AFCD would seek support from the utility companies to facilitate the establishment of more electrical BBQ stoves. However, electric stoves would not be used to replace the traditional BBQ pits.
周照先生 suggested building stairs on the footpath between Violet Hill Path and Repulse Bay；also to build a rain shelter between West Buffalo Hill and Wong Nai Tau.
Dr. F. Y. WONG replied that the path between Violet Hill Path and Repulse Bay is outside country park area. Building a rain shelter between West Buffalo Hill and Wong Nai Tau might be considered but a site survey would be required. (Post meeting note : AFCD would observe visitors’ need but building a rain shelter at the suggested location is at low priority at this moment.)
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2.4
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2. 4.1
2.4.2
2.4.3
2.4.4
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Mountain Bike
Mr. Julien Lallemand, a representative of the Hong Kong Mountain Bike Association said that his association would take the initiative to improve the relationship between the mountain bikers and hiking organizations and aim at sharing the joy of cycling and hiking on popular mountain bike trails. Their members would assist to relay message if hikers encounter difficulties, such as robbery, injury or lost way etc. in remote countryside where mobile phone communication was poor. They would like to hear the hiker groups’ feedback or any complaint if they encountered any improper cycling behaviour. Julian requested AFCD to consult bikers’ organizations prior to implementation of alignment change or alteration works on mountain bike trails.
Mr. Mike Bains made suggestions on improvement of the mountain bike trail between Twisk and Ho Pui, including diversification of hiking and cycling trails, reduction of recurrent bike traffic flow by shuttle vehicles so as to reduce the conflicts between hikers and bikers.
Dr. F. Y. WONG appreciated the Hong Kong Mountain Bike Association’s initiative to communicate with hiking groups. The Country Park staff would invite Mr. Bains and his association to discuss his proposal in details on improvement of the Ho Pui Mountain Bike Trail.
A meeting member pointed out that most of the bikers were courteous. For example, when bikers took over hikers on a trail, they would tell the hikers how many bikers are approaching as well for the hikers earlier attention
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2.5
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2.5.1
2.5.2
2.5.3
2.5.4
2.5.5
2.5.6
2.5.7
2.5.8
2.5.9
2.5.10
2.5.11
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Vehicles Illegal Entry & Parking at Hoi Ha Road
Ms Nicola Newbery concerned about illegal parking at Ho Ha Road. She suggested constructing coach parking spaces at two open area maintained by Water Supplies Department adjacent to Hoi Ha Road. Her suggestion was rejected previously for a reason that the mobile communication network was poor at these tracks but now these areas had been covered by CSL network. She would send the suggestion and copy to Water Supplies Department, Highways Department, Environmental, Transport and Works Bureau and Home Affairs Bureau.
Mr. Dave Newbery suspected that some coaches went to Hoi Ha without proper permits and some coaches went there in multiple trips. He suggested using coloured permit system for destination identification and rejects the permit applications if coach drivers had violated the permit conditions.
Mr. Bob Thomson suggested checking permits at Hoi Ha Road and take prosecution actions against unauthorized entry vehicles.
Mr. Paul Hodgson suggested setting up permit and speed check points at Sai Kung by Police.
Mr. LEUNG., the representative from Sai Kung Police Station replied that Police always took prosecution actions against vehicles causing serious traffic jam. He said that they would step up patrol and prosecution duty and work closely with AFCD to improve the situation.
Mr. Y. M. LEE replied that permits issued by AFCD would strictly follow the guidelines and the quota system. In time, certain coach drivers would drop off their passengers at Hoi Ha and go parking at appropriate place, they would return to pick up their passengers later on thus doubling the trips. He realized that some coach drivers had permits to other destinations might drive to Hoi Ha Road and a coloured permit system had been adopted. AFCD will work closely with Police to mitigate the situation. The feasibility to turn down the applications with permit condition violation records should be discussed with issuing departments. Actually, issuing departments reviewed the permit issuing procedures periodically.
Dr. F. Y. WONG supplemented that Country Park staff is not authorized to enforce traffic regulations. However, AFCD may cancel a permit if a holder has violated the permit conditions.
梁文偉先生said that Hoi Ha had become a popular tourist spot but the road leading there was of low capacity and without parking spaces. He suggested banning entry of coaches into Pak Tam Chung barrier gate and conveying visitors by shuttle coaches after they had left their vehicles at Pak Tam Chung.
何國雄先生pointed out that visitors would be reluctant to go to Hoi Ha by shuttle coaches. The expenses for shuttle coach fares would also be a problem.
Dr. F. Y. WONG agreed that visitors would be reluctant to give up their own transport by riding shuttle coaches.
郭志標先生 comments that Hoi Ha becomes a popular tourist destination as a result of promotion by the Government. The induced problems could not be solved by AFCD alone.
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2.6
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2.6.1
2.6.2
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Enhancing Information Provided at Pak Tam Chung Barrier Gate
Mr. Paul Hodgson suggested displaying updated country park information by LCD billboard or notices at the Pak Tam Chung Barrier gate so that visitors and residents could be alerted of events going on within the barrier.
Dr. K. M. YEUNG replied that the ways for information updating with LCD billboard or notices could be explored. Currently, posting of updated country parks-related information on website had been effective.
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2.7
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2.7.1
2.7.2
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Country Parks 30th Anniversary Celebration
奚小龍先生asked if AFCD would arrange a 30th Anniversary Celebration for the Country Parks.
Dr. F. Y. WONG replied that no major celebration would be launched. However, AFCD would keep on to enhance the services provided to country park visitors, including promotion of hiking safety and eco-tourism, improvement on communication with visitors, enhance of visitors’ knowledge and ability on nature appreciation.
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2.8
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2.8.1
2.8.2
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Adoption of Biodiversity Enhancing Method in Planting Scheme
A meeting member would like to know how ‘biodiversity enhancing method’ works in planting schemes.
Dr. K. M. YEUNG explained that ‘biodiversity enhancing method’ was the mix planting of a wide range of tree species More adaptive species could grow rapidly to enhance the habitat condition thus creating an environment for rapid growth of tree saplings overall. Utilization of fallen logs to create habitats/roosting area for animals is also adopted.
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2.9
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2.9.1
2.9.2
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Stray Dogs in Country Parks
Ms. Nicola Newbery concerned that stray dogs might threaten the survival of wildlife in country parks and also threaten the safety of visitors and residents.
Dr. F. Y. WONG replied that he had referred the stray dog problem to the Animal Management Centre of AFCD for follow up actions.
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2.10
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2.10.1
2.10.2
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Dogs bathing in Streams
A meeting member told that she witnessed visitors let their dogs bath in streams.
Dr. F. Y. WONG replied that let one’s dog(s) bath at streams within direct catchments areas might have contravened the Waterworks Ordinance. This department would liaise with Water Supplies Department to look into such misbehaviour.
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2.11
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2.11.1
2.11.2
2.11.3
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Comments on Country Parks Visitor Liaison Group Meeting
Mr. Paul Hodgson said that under his observation, nowadays, public members no longer kept silent if they encountered any irregularity in country parks. He appreciates the Country Parks Visitor Liaison Group Meeting offered opportunities for people to discuss problems.
Mr. Bob Thomson said that he liked hiking and he appreciated that AFCD put effort to improve hiking trails in past years.
Dr. F. Y. WONG concluded that many complicated problems had been discussed in the past meetings. The liaison group meeting is a good platform for communication and opinion sharing. Even though the solution process of certain complicated problems went on slowly, some problems raised by public members were solved ultimately.
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The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
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