Government committed to protecting Victoria Harbour

There will be no further reclamation along the northern shores of Hong Kong Island upon completion of the planned minimum reclamation in Central and Wan Chai North, the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands, Mr Michael Suen, said today (November 6).

Mr Suen today met with representatives of the Society for Protection of the Harbour (SPH) led by chair Ms Christine Loh to exchange views on harbour reclamation. He said the meeting was constructive.

"Just as members of the public, the Government treasures the harbour and has a responsibility to protect the harbour. Our planning objective is to make Victoria Harbour attractive, vibrant and accessible to the public as well as the tourists. Our intention is to 'return the harbour' to the people. The public will have a concrete understanding of our commitment to protect the harbour in the upcoming Stage III consultation of Hong Kong 2030," Mr Suen said.

He revealed that the Government was currently reviewing the extent of reclamation in southeast Kowloon that was proposed after the airport moved from Kai Tak to Chek Lap Kok.

"The two projects in Central-Wanchai and the proposed one in Southeast Kowloon are the sum total of the planned reclamation works within the harbour limits," Mr Suen said.

"Apart from these three projects, there will be no further reclamation within the harbour limits. To further allay the concerns of the public, we will amend the relevant town plans in accordance with the established procedures to reflect our commitment in protecting the harbour," he added.

Mr Suen was pleased with the resumption of dialogue with the SPH and pledged to maintain communication with the Society.

Regarding the public hearing jointly organised by the Legislative Council's Planning, Lands and Works Panel and Environmental Affairs Panel on November 27, Mr Suen said this would be another opportunity for the public to express their views on Central reclamation. He sincerely hoped that the community would reach a consensus on how to strike a balance in satisfying transportation needs and protecting the harbour.

Ends/Thursday, November 6, 2003

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