Committee of Supply – Head X (Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth)

Debate in Committee of Supply resumed.

[Deputy Speaker (Mr Charles Chong) in the Chair]: ###### Head X (cont) –

Miss Cheng Li Hui (Tampines): Sir, Outward Bound Singapore (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 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.