Real questions and alternatives raised. Keeping an eye on Parliament session next week.
Yesterday's public engagement lasted late till around midnight. The quality of questions/suggestions by residents were impressive. What do I mean? Well, the session was the epitome of constructive feedback.
Points and perspectives ranged from the identity and future of Singapore, importance of third spaces, legitimate requests for data, the gaps/exclusions in the EIA study, ownership of Singapore's COP pledge against deforestation, and several members of the public even identified alternative sites for consideration (vacant buildings, current empty plots, etc)....and much more. There were crucial observations made: valuable inputs that can only come from someone who lives or spends a lot of time in a place; knowledge that would have otherwise been missed and overlooked.
Importantly, it was repeatedly asked how our inputs will -- or will not -- influence the decision to redevelop a unique site like Gillman Barracks/Forest that is a rare blend of heritage, nature, creative arts, and sense of community. As well as the broader context of all forests marked for housing in the country. Could decision makers who made the initial call that selected such sites, rethink that choice, given the current climate change challenges and economic uncertainty.
There is a real societal push to preserve our identity and to preserve actual forests (not landscaped public parks). A timely question was raised at the meeting: how do we determine value of the above? Because we all know that this lost is irreversible once the concrete is laid.
There's already 7 new HDB housing projects and 2 private condo projects within 0.5km to 4km radius (project names in petition) which will fulfill near-term housing for a total of approx 16,600 households based on my count of information published online. Not individuals... but 16.6K households. Plus there's much more in the pipeline from megaproject GSW Greater Southern Waterfront.
It is heartening that Division MP Rachel Ong will table this matter at the upcoming parliament session next week. Many of our concerns go beyond the attending gov agency mandates. Therefore a broader look at policy is definitely a move in the right direction, in my opinion. Will be keeping an eye on the news to see how this pans out.
👉 Don't forget to submit the official Gillman public feedback before 6 August 6PM!
Environment feedback
Heritage feedback
Thank you for supporting the petition and for sharing your voice.