Committee of Supply – Head X (Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth)
Ministry of Culture, Community and YouthSpeakers
Summary
This statement concerns Miss Cheng Li Hui’s inquiries regarding the expansion of Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) to Coney Island and the preservation of its environment. She seeks clarification on measures to protect the island's rustic nature and biodiversity, referencing remarks made by Minister Khaw Boon Wan regarding its ecological value. Miss Cheng questions the $250 million development cost, comparing it to other infrastructure projects, and requests a breakdown of the components accounting for the high expenditure. Furthermore, she asks for details on the development plans and the future of existing OBS campuses and adventure campsites. Her intervention emphasizes the need to balance the vision of a rugged society with the necessity of environmental conservation.
Transcript
Debate in Committee of Supply resumed.
[Deputy Speaker (Mr Charles Chong) in the Chair]
Head X (cont) –
Miss Cheng Li Hui (Tampines): Sir, OBS was set up by Dr Goh Keng Swee in 1967. Dr Goh's vision was for OBS to help build a rugged society. True to his vision, the fundamental philosophy underlining the operations of OBS has not changed over the past nearly 50 years. I am glad that OBS is now being expanded to strengthen our rugged society.
At the official opening of Coney Island, Minister Khaw Boon Wan said in his speech, "We will, of course, keep the island rustic and keep to its natural state, as much as possible. Coney Island is home to a wide variety of habitats, including coastal forests, grasslands and mangroves. It is also a stop for migratory birds and features rare flora and fauna that are not seen on our mainland."
I am, therefore, concerned whether the rustic nature of the island can, indeed, be preserved. I understand that 12 hectares represent 10% of Coney Island. I would still like to ask what are the measures taken to minimise the impact to the environment and how the rustic nature of the island can be preserved.
The cost of $250 million seems to be rather high, considering cost of other infrastructure projects like the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Sports and Residential Halls cost $230 million.
Will the Minister share the details of the development plans and the components which account for the high costs? I would also like to ask what are the plans for the current OBS and adventure campsites.