Seven NGOs have welcomed both the government's and the Opposition's shift in positions on Manoel Island.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the NGOs said that saving Manoel and returning it to the public has gained further momentum now that the Opposition has shifted its position and declared its support for the petition signed by over 29,000 citizens.

"While seven NGOs welcome the decision announced today by Opposition Leader Bernard Grech, it also feels it is pertinent to recall several occasions when past governments altered development plans and designated sites as public parks," the statement said.

It said that the Għadira Nature Reserve was created after a road originally planned to cut through it was rerouted towards the beach.

The same applied to Majjistral Park, which had been earmarked for a massive golf complex.

The NGOs also welcomed the invitation to a meeting by Prime Minister Robert Abela, and said that they are hopeful that this government will also leave a legacy by being bold enough to declare that it will protect Manoel Island from any development and create a public park that can be enjoyed by all.

The NGOs signatory to the statement are: Azzjoni: Tuna Artna Lura, BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, Moviment Graffitti and Nature Trust - FEE Malta.