The 'Għal Għawdex' Forum acknowledged that Government has taken a first tentative step to tackle the vast problem of overdevelopment in Gozo, but expressed disappointment that it failed to introduce certain reforms in a definitive manner.
Ghal Ghawdix said that Government has failed to take the opportunity of the Budget "to introduce important and strategic reforms as proposed by 'Għal Għawdex' in a definitive manner designed to make real positive change, and within the context of the new strategy published by the Gozo Regional Development Authority. 'Għal Għawdex' is pleased to note that a new Environment and Development strategic plan is expected to be finalised for public consultation during 2024, but notes that there is no mention of a strategic plan specifically designed for Gozo that takes into account the different needs and characteristics of the sister island, a key recommendation from the 'Għal Għawdex' Forum."
The Forum said it strongly supports the continued exemption of capital gains tax and stamp duty for the first €750,000 of UCA properties on condition that such property is restored, as well as the VAT exemptions on the first €30,000 of restoration expenses.
"The first-time buyers' grant of €40,000 for vacant UCA properties is also welcomed. Nonetheless, the Forum notes that such grants should be accompanied with a formal commitment to protect the property in the long term."
"The Forum acknowledges the decision for the removal of stamp duty subsidies for property purchases in Gozo. However, it notes that the recommendation from 'Għal Għawdex' was for the removal of the stamp duty subsidy only for the sale and purchase of property destined for demolition and redevelopment into apartments. The budget has failed to implement the second part of the key 'Għal Għawdex' fiscal recommendation to re-direct savings from the removal of stamp duty subsidies on apartments, into introduction of new subsidies towards the sale and purchase of vernacular properties in Gozo outside the UCA, on the same conditions as applicable to UCA. This would have encouraged sustainable development and economic activity with buyers tying themselves to restoration and preservation of such property, respecting its integrity and surrounding height of the traditional Gozitan village."
The Forum notes the focus that the Budget promises to give to the Visit Gozo brand while reminding the government that marketing alone "will not be sufficient to counteract the negative holiday experience of many tourists to Gozo due to the overwhelming negative impact of property construction in the island."
The Forum also notes that the Budget Speech failed to implement another of the key recommendations to introduce new incentives for conversions (in line with the nature of the property) of vernacular homes into high-end boutique accommodation, subject to protection of the key features and structural integrity of the property being re-developed. "Moreover, there is no mention of incentives for new economic sectors for Gozo to reduce the overreliance on sectors such as tourism, construction, and real estate. It is important that the Government steers the economy of the island into new economic sectors. More would have been expected given the publication of the new Regional Development Strategy for Gozo."
The 'Għal Għawdex' Forum was formed in December 2022 and represents key stakeholders in Gozo including the 14 local councils under the 'Reġjun Għawdex' umbrella, the Gozo Business Chamber, the Gozo Tourism Association, NGO's Din L-Art Ħelwa Għawdex, Għawdix, Wirt Għawdex and Gozo University Group. The stakeholders look forward to other positive decisions that need to be urgently taken following the Budget announcements to achieve the environmental and heritage goals and peace of mind that all well-meaning Gozitans and residents of the island aspire to.