The consultation on new plans for the Wan Chai waterfront, launched on Sunday, was billed as an open, inclusive and people-oriented process. This, we were told, was an attempt to give the public a big say in the future of the harbour.
Opinions are being sought on three 'concepts' for this prime waterside site. All of them involve substantial reclamation and the controversial Central-to-Wan Chai bypass.
These plans are backed by the government. But they were unveiled by the Harbourfront Enhancement Committee. This body was set up last year with the aim of giving the community more input into the development of the harbour. Its members include environmentalists as well as government officials.
A press release promised that the consultation will 'engage the public and enhance public participation'. This would make a refreshing change from the past, when the government pressed ahead with its predetermined plans, provoking legal challenges and street protests.
But the consultation is in danger of being discredited before it has barely begun. As we report today, some members of the committee say they were shocked to see the proposals being released to the public. They allege the plans were not presented to the committee and that they do not reflect its views. The government is accused of reneging on an agreement not to release proposals until the committee's Wan Chai taskforce had approved them.
In short, some members are suggesting the government has pushed hastily ahead with its own plans, without waiting for a consensus to be reached in the committee that is supposed to be advising it.
The full picture has not yet emerged. But the complaints are disturbing. The public consultation will not be taken seriously if the government has not even consulted the members of its own advisory committee. An explanation is required.