PUBLIC PARKS AND LAND UTILISED FOR GOLF COURSES (Particulars)

Mr Ling How Doong asked the Minister for National Development what is the total area (i) of public parks and (ii) of land utilised for golf courses.

The Minister for National Development (Dr Richard Hu Tsu Tau): Mr Speaker, Sir, today, public parks occupy about 2,080 hectares or 3.3% of the total land area of Singapore. Another 4,170 hectares or 6.7% of Singapore's land area are nature areas, such as Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, which are accessible to the members of the public. Together, public parks and nature areas amount to some 6,250 hectares or 10% of Singapore's land area. Existing golf courses occupy about 920 hectares or 1.5% of the total land area of Singapore.

Mr Ling How Doong (Bukit Gombak): Sir, what is the total membership of these golf clubs?

Dr Richard Hu Tsu Tau: Around 21,000.

Mr Ling How Doong: Sir, in land-scarce Singapore, why are we allotting more and more land to less and less people for their enjoyment and benefit?

Dr Richard Hu Tsu Tau: Sir, I do not think you can allocate land in proportion to usage because usage varies tremendously. Most of the golf courses are in fact in areas where alternative uses are limited. They are either in the flight path zone near the airport or they are in the catchment areas.

I would also like to point out another fact. In addition to the actual membership of these golf clubs, they also cater to large numbers of foreign tourists and charge significant fees.

Mr Ling How Doong: Sir, presently we have 14 golf courses. Under the Concept Plan, we are going to have another 15 golf courses. I would like to know how this projection was arrived at when the population reaches four million.

Dr Richard Hu Tsu Tau: This is merely a projection of land protected for possible use as golf courses. It does not mean that 15 golf courses are going to be built.