The Government shares the community's vision in preserving and beautifying the harbour, and is committed to protecting and enhancing the harbour for public enjoyment, a spokesman for the Development Bureau says.
In response to media enquiries today (November 2), the spokesman said Victoria Harbour is an icon of Hong Kong and an important natural asset shared by all people here. The Government fully appreciates and shares the community's aspirations to protect and preserve Victoria Harbour.
The Chief Executive announced in his 2008-09 Policy Address last month that the bureau would set up a dedicated task force to handle harbourfront-related planning and land issues, including coordination of government bureaux/departments' effort in the implementation of harbourfront enhancement proposals for public enjoyment. The Harbour-front Enhancement Committee, being briefed on Government's initiatives, praised the high level commitment and would stand ready to join hands with the Government in harbourfront enhancement.
The Government has pledged that apart from the existing Central Reclamation Phase III and the planned Wan Chai Development Phase II, any reclamation within Victoria Harbour will not be considered.
It is also the Government's pledge to adhere strictly to the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance and comply with the "overriding public need" test stipulated by the Court of Final Appeal in January 2004 in taking forward all remaining reclamation projects.
Ends/Sunday, November 2, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:43
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