Debated in Parliament on 30 Nov 2022.
Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asked the Minister for Trade and Industry what are the plans for the fauna and flora of Jurong Bird Park upon its closure after 3 January 2023.
Speaker, Mandai Wildlife Group will move more than 3,000 birds and about 50 species of flora from Jurong Bird Park to Bird Paradise at Mandai after it closes on 3 January 2023. Mandai Wildlife Group's detailed planning for this move includes necessary steps and measures to ensure the welfare, health and safety of the birds during the relocation.
The Jurong Bird Park site is expected to be returned to JTC in 2025. JTC is working with Mandai Wildlife Group and the relevant agencies on the reinstatement of the site after Jurong Bird Park moves to Mandai.
Mr Shawn Huang.
Mr Speaker, I thank the Minister of State for his answer. Mr Speaker, being in Singapore, we have to constantly evaluate the balance of development. Dover Forest was 33 hectares, Jurong Bird Park is 20 hectares. This green space is substantial. As such, I have three supplementary questions.
First, what is the determined annual economic potential of the land of Jurong Bird Park —
Mr Shawn Huang, if you could just keep to two supplementary questions.
Yes. So, the economic potential that could be derived from its development. And two, will there be a cross-Ministry workgroup that coordinates and determines this balanced approach of redeveloping large green spaces?
I thank the Member for his questions. I do not have the economic value of the site; I can get back to the Member. But JTC and URA are jointly reviewing the longer-term land use plans for the site, along with other agencies like NParks. We will take into consideration existing features, such as the waterfall as well as the Jurong Hill Tower nearby. Given the memories and history tied to Jurong Bird Park, we will seek public feedback in due time to shape the future plans for Jurong Hill together.
Meanwhile, I encourage everyone to visit Jurong Bird Park before it closes on 3 January 2023 and also to support Bird Paradise when it opens in the second quarter of 2023.
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