It is clear that the process of involving the public has been flawed. We have said the developers must re-advertise the project, call for comments and objections and get the public back on board. This will give the public a chance to raise issues and concerns they believe have not been addressed. Some of the buildings would be four storeys high. Once the island has been cut up by canals, about 10 of the smaller islands would be sold to private owners for between R2,1m and R3,3m.
Many local residents believe the project is inappropriate for an environmentally-sensitive estuary.
The decision by the Department of Environment comes after a consortium of Knysna civic and environmental groups called on Environment Minister Pallo Jordan to halt the development. Jim Saunders, spokesperson for the consortium, welcomed the department's decision. Although some scientific studies had been done during the environmental impact assessment some years ago, there were gaps and some of the data was outdated, Saunders said. We want to do our best for this town and the public participation process must be carried out properly. The Thesen's Island development is in the middle of the lagoon and is a large project.