The new Environment Resources Authority is taking shape, with the relevant structures expected to be in place by next month, Environment Minister Leo Brincat told workers who will form part of the new Authority today.

The Authority is being set up as part of the government pledge to demerge Mepa, the Environment and Planning Authority.

Mr Brincat said the Authority’s board will be appointed in the coming days, which will in turn appoint a CEO.

Mr Brincat said the Opposition leader and NGOs will be formally invited to appoint their representatives to the board.

He thanked the two main trade unions for engaging positively with the change management team, and said the ministry’s door is always open.

The Bill to set up the new Authority was concluded two weeks ago following a number of marathon debates in Parliament.

The demerger has drawn criticism from many quarters, including the Church’s environment commission, the Ombudsman’s office and the Opposition.