The Government will give its full backing to the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee and will take careful note of its discussions and recommendations, Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Michael Suen says.

Addressing the 'EnviroSeries Conference 2004 - Designing HK Harbour District' today, Mr Suen said the committee will hold its first meeting on May 6 and the Society for Protection of the Harbour and other concern groups have agreed to participate.

"I look forward to the committee playing a key role in the reviews that we are undertaking, and in coming up with innovative ideas on how to deliver 'quick-win' harbour-front improvement projects in a sustainable manner," he said.

Disputes do not negate harbour commitment

Noting the legal disputes in the past six months did not negate the Government's harbour commitment, Mr Suen said they had created an even greater recognition of its importance, and have given a final and authoritative interpretation of the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance.

"From now on, any reclamation proposals will have to pass the 'overriding public need test', and it must be demonstrated there are no reasonable alternatives to reclamation," Mr Suen said.

Community involvement guaranteed

In considering the remaining harbour development proposals, the Government is committed to engaging the community in a proactive way during the early stages of the review, and also throughout its entire process.

"We are engaged in deepening this dialogue between the Government and community. We want to put past acrimony behind us and move forward in addressing the concerns that have been raised," Mr Suen said.

"As far as possible, we hope to achieve a consensus about the harbour's future with all the other stakeholders concerned - both individuals and organisations."