The Legislative Council passed the Protection of the Harbour (Amendment) Bill 2024 after its third reading, establishing clearer guidelines for Victoria Harbour reclamation while simplifying approval processes for small-scale public projects.

The bill received majority support from lawmakers, who recognized the need to update the 1997 Ordinance. While the original Ordinance opposes any reclamation in the harbour, its overly simplistic provisions led to implementation disputes.

Under the amended law, designated projects such as waterfront promenades, pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths may reclaim up to 0.8 hectares of land.

Non-permanent reclamation projects will be capped at 3 hectares, with a maximum duration of seven years. All exemptions require approval from the Financial Secretary, who will ensure that the projects serve the public interest.

Tony Tse Wai-chuen, chairman of the bills committee, noted that recent initiatives to promote waterfront promenades and parks often face challenges due to existing land uses and difficulties in obtaining consent from private landowners.

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho stated that the amendment provides authorities with greater flexibility in enhancing the waterfront and the functions of the harbour.

She indicated that the department is preparing administrative guidelines and expects to complete them in the coming months.

Linn expressed hope that this more relaxed mechanism will encourage additional public-benefit projects.

Additionally, she clarified that the amendment does not weaken statutory authority, emphasizing that citizens dissatisfied with administrative decisions still have the option to seek judicial review.

(Cheng Wong)

LegCo passes amendment bill on Victoria Harbour reclamation