Many rumours were spread recently about the proposed upgrading of the Point area, inter alia that Council rushed through the approval of the first stage of the development before the opportunity for public participation had been completed. Allegations were also made that access to the Point would be controlled and that the public would have to pay to visit the Point.
 The Municipality would like to emphasise the following with regard to the area:
 - The proposed upgrading of the Point is aimed at having it declared as a tourism icon, with associated benefits such as being allowed to place signage on the N2. In that way more people can be enticed to come to Mossel Bay to support local businesses. This has been made known in the past  through the local media.
 -  The process is in its early stages, and there will be many opportunities for public participation before Council will take any decisions.
 - Council approved a precinct plan on 30 August 2012 for the upgrading of the Point, and not a first phase of the redevelopment of the Point as alleged. A precinct plan is a scientifically compiled guideline document for future development and not a final project plan.
 - The proposals to upgrade the area entail mainly changes to the road structure to improve traffic flow, create better parking facilities, the upgrading of the area around the old stone quarry site, which has been identified as the site for an interpretive centre for the propose World Heritage site, and to create uniformity in respect of lamp posts, street furniture, paving, etcetera, to give the area a fresher and more attractive appearance.
 - According to the relevant Council Resolution, the upgrading of the Point area will only be done as and when funds become available. Conversely, if funds cannot be found, the upgrading cannot proceed.
 - The matter of access control to the Point or entry fees has never been on the  table and was also not discussed at the Council meeting concerned.
 - Although a reduction of the number of caravan stands has been mooted  to create better facilities for the public throughout the year, any final planning in this regard will be subjected to public participation processes before final decisions are made.
 - Rumours that a decision was taken to proceed with a first phase at a cost of R24 million is also untrue.  The amount was merely mentioned in the agenda papers as an estimate of what the first phase of the project could cost.
 - According to the Council Resolution the upgrading of the Point area will be done in phases as funds become available.
 - The resolution also says that a public participation process has to be followed in terms of the National Environmental Act (NEMA) and that all comments and objections received, if any, must be tabled in Council for a final decision.