Proposed changes to harbour protection laws revised
The government has revised its proposal to relax a general ban on reclamation in Victoria Harbour. Originally, it suggested that temporary reclamation projects with an area of up to three hectares should be exempt from harbour protection laws, as long as each phase of the project lasts no more than three years. In a new paper submitted to Legco, the Development Bureau notes that it didn't propose a cap on the number of phases each project could have and in light of this, it is suggesting a seven-year limit for the total duration of a project.  The reclamation work could be extended for a year if approval is granted by the financial secretary. The bureau is also proposing to exempt three types of harbour enhancement work from the "presumption against reclamation", covering the construction of ramps, spaces for boat repairs, and wave absorbing infrastructure. "Harbour-improvement" reclamation involving less than 0.8 hectares would also be exempt from protection laws under the government's proposal. Lawmaker Andrew Lam, the vice-chair of Legco's development panel, said the proposed seven-year limit for projects exemptions will ensure that temporary reclamation doesn't end up being permanent. "It would provide a better certainty to put the cap at seven years. That would be better than a three plus three and... another three... which eventually goes nowhere," he told RTHK. Lam said he believes the law changes will enable more harbourfront projects to be launched.  "In the past, the government actually tried not to start any project because of the risk of being taken to court by any individual who believes the nature of the project does not have the need for the well-being of the society as a whole," he said. A bill to amend the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance is expected to be submitted to Legco by the end of the year.