Public consultation on a controversial HK$80 billion third runway at Hong Kong International Airport is set to get under way next week.
The start of the consultation - confirmed by people with a knowledge of the situation - will see battle lines drawn for a fresh clash between conservationists and proponents of big-spending capital projects to fire economic development.
Chinese white dolphins, pollution, project costs and a reclamation area of up to 650 hectares - the second-largest in Hong Kong history - are expected to be some of the major issues fought over.
A 2030 master plan for the airport is expected to be tabled at the Executive Council on Tuesday, followed by a public consultation seeking views on a third runway.
With the airport's capacity expected to reach saturation in the next decade, there have been mounting calls for expansion over the past year. A think tank headed by former government officials, as well as various senior aviation industry officials have all said a third runway was necessary if Hong Kong was to stay ahead of competition in the region.
However, while the community has questioned the need for the project, which will cost even more than the controversial HK$66.9 billion high-speed rail line to Guangzhou, a person familiar with the plan said the costs would only be discussed if the project secured the support of the majority of Hong Kong people.