Senior officials from the Development Bureau have launched an unusual public outreach campaign, utilizing an animated video and agency mascots, to emphasize the critical role of the Legislative Council election in shaping Hong Kong’s infrastructure and land use policies. With the election scheduled for December 7th, the bureau is urging citizens to participate actively, stressing that the outcome directly impacts everything from major public works to housing regulatory reform.
Officials Champion Legislature’s Role in City Planning
The video features Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn alongside Deputy Secretary Raymond Lam, and Permanent Secretaries Doris Ho and Ricky Lau, engaging in a light-hearted discussion initiated by five of the Bureau’s departmental mascots. This educational approach aimed to demystify the connection between the legislature and the complex fields of planning and development.
In the informal exchange, Doris Ho, Permanent Secretary for Development (Planning and Lands), highlighted the legislature’s pivotal role in enacting significant policy changes over recent years. She specifically cited the approval of legislation designed to streamline statutory approval procedures and the regulatory framework for land lease extensions.
“These crucial pieces of legislation were deliberated and passed by the Legislative Council, responding directly to societal demands and easing burdens for the industry,” Ho explained, underscoring how legislative action aids in simplifying bureaucratic processes essential for growth.
Funding Infrastructure and Integrating Public Feedback
The connection between the election and the vital construction industry was further clarified by Ricky Lau, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works). He stressed that the majority of Hong Kong’s large-scale infrastructure projects are categorized as public works, requiring explicit budgetary approval from the Legislative Council.
“The relationship is incredibly significant,” Lau said, noting that lawmakers also act as critical conduits, funneling industry perspectives, public opinion, and constructive policy suggestions back to the government for implementation.
Secretary Linn reinforced this point, emphasizing that the council’s influence extends far beyond merely scrutinizing bills. The legislature serves as a vital sounding board, relaying concerns from both citizens and industry stakeholders, which in turn informs and improves the bureau’s overall performance.
Key policy areas cited as benefiting from legislative input include:
- Strategic development and execution of the ambitious Northern Metropolis project.
- Protocols and mitigation strategies implemented after extreme weather events, such as managing severe flooding.
Linn concluded that the upcoming election is fundamentally important for every resident in Hong Kong, given its pervasive influence on quality of life and future planning.
The video campaign, concluding with the three officials and the mascots uniting in a call to “Engage in the Election, Co-create the Future,” encourages broad participation on December 7th. The push demonstrates a concerted effort by the government to link bureaucratic actions with civic responsibility, emphasizing that legislative oversight is indispensable for the effective management of the city’s built environment. Election analysts suggest that this direct appeal by high-ranking officials reflects the administration’s focused effort to boost turnout and secure a legislative body receptive to the government’s extensive development agenda.
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