Solar Farm proposed for Siggiewi ODZ land

Oct 1 2021

The limits of Siggiewi have received another proposal for the development of a solar farm on ODZ land. A substation, photovoltaic panels and the construction of a section of boundary wall have been outlined by the plans, set to occupy approximately 10,071sqm of land. This would overlook Wied Hanzir in the proximity of Triq Bur ix-Xewk.

Bajada New Energy’s managing director Mark Bajada applied for the permit, seeking to transform the field into a solar farm. The field is not alien to such proposals as the Planning Authority allegedly received a similar application back in 2015 by Renergy Ltd.

The application was refused in 2018 as the site could not be considered a disused quarry due to vegetation taking over. The solar farm policy highlights that quarries which have been restored before the date of adoption of this policy are ineligible for solar farm development.

A rise in applications for solar farms on agricultural land has been noted, despite Malta’s solar farm policy not permitting their construction on agricultural land. This could indicate a potential loophole for both solar farm and rural policy, with farmers and residents of surround areas often opposing the various permits popping up.

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Photo Source: Lovin Malta

Ahrax quarry to transform into off-road recreational facility

Oct 1 2021

A project proposal by the All Wheel Drive Club to develop an abandoned quarry in Ahrax into a facility for off-roading events has been approved by the Planning Authority. The proposal entails re-development of the quarry to include earth-moving, backfill, boundary rubble walls, chain-link fencing, two metal gates, flood-lighting, reservoirs, a store, toilets and even a temporary office.

The enthusiasts explained that off-roading was declared illegal except for in designated areas through a 1997 subsidiary legislation. The disused quarry, which is already used for off-roading, was identified following one exercise undertaken by the Lands Authority, the All-Wheel Drive Club and the Malta Motorsport Federation.

The quarry was transferred to SportMalta in 2011 and then to the Malta Motorsport Federation, with the latter applying for necessary permits in 2016. The announcement of the approval comes as the government announces a multi-million euro investment into a racing circuit at Hal Far.

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Environment Minister joins rally to revitalise San Anton garden

Oct 1 2021

As people express their disappointment over San Anton Garden’s current state, with broken paving and collapsing walls, Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia joined in the outcry to revitalise the public area. Farrugia ordered immediate works to commence, despite pointing out that the damaged parts of the garden did not fall under his ministry’s responsibility.

The Environment Ministry, Farrugia revealed, was only responsible for soft landscaping and ponds. He said that beyond the issues of responsibility, of which his the public sees as secondary, he decided to ask authorities to find the necessary finances to carry out the work immediately.

Both President George Vella and Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef called on the Environment Minister to give the gardens the care and attention it needs. Photos uploaded by Micallef show the almost abandoned-like state the gardens currently find themselves in.

Micallef called on the Minister to ‘do his duty’, with President George Vella having contacted Minister Farrugia and asked him to intervene, as revealed by Times of Malta. However, the public gardens fall under the responsibility of Parks Malta, which in turn forms part of the Ministry for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development. The ministry is led by Miriam Dalli.

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Photo Source: Aaron Farrugia FB, Jason Micallef FB, Catholic News Agency

Australia set to reopen border in November

Oct 1 2021

Australia has had strict border rules throughout the whole pandemic, but the country is set to reopen in November. This will be the first time it has done so throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, having been closed off since March 2020. Protests have swept the country, with many seeing the measures as controversial. As September came to a close, Prime Minister Scott Morrison addressed a press conference to state that ‘it’s time to give Australians their lives back.’

People will be able to travel when their state’s vaccination rate reached 80%, with New South Wales set to be the first to do so. In contrast, Queensland and Western Australia are considering keeping state borders closed until vaccination rates far surpass the 80% threshold. The state’s strict border rules have resulted in COVID spread rates remaining close to zero. Foreigners will however not yet be able to travel, with the government only hinting at welcoming tourists in the future. Travel quarantine rules are also set to change, as vaccinated travellers will no longer have to isolate for 14 days in a hotel for up to $2,160. Quarantine at home will be available for the jabbed, with unvaccinated travellers having to undergo the 14 days.

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Photo Source: BBC, Nikkei Asia