In 1994 with overwhelming public support, the ‘Save Our Harbour’ Campaign successfully stopped the Government’s policy of reclaiming the Harbour to produce land for development and for sale to raise Government revenue.

In 1997, our Society originated the Ordinance to stop the British Colonial Hong Kong Government, having already reclaimed half of the Harbour, from reclaiming a further 1,297 hectares, i.e. 5 square miles.

The Ordinance empowers the Law Courts to decide whether a reclamation is lawful.

In 2004, the independent Law Courts enforced the Ordinance and stopped 5 Government Large Scale Reclamations at Central, Wanchai, Kowloon Bay, Tsuen Wan and Green Island totalling 584 hectares.  

The Ordinance had saved the Harbour from becoming like a ‘Victoria River’ and enabled the present Harborfront to be enjoyed by the public.

The Government now proposes to amend the Ordinance such that instead of the Law Courts, the Government itself will decide whether its own Large Scale Reclamations are lawful.

This is contrary to the Fundamental Principle of the Rule of Law and Natural Justice under the Common Law that “One cannot be the Judge of his own cause”.

We call on the Government to:

1. Maintain the current legal protections: Ensure that the independent Law Courts continue to have the authority to decide on the legality of large-scale reclamations.
2. Respect the Rule of Law: Uphold the principles of fairness and justice by preventing any conflict of interest in decision-making processes.
3. Protect Victoria Harbour: Recognize the Harbour as a “National Treasure of China” and preserve it for future generations.

By signing this petition, we express our strong opposition to the proposed amendments and our commitment to protecting Victoria Harbour. We urge the Government to listen to the voices of the people and prioritise the long-term well-being of our city.