Several NGOs, which represent the broadest cross-section of environmental groups within civil society, on Friday urged the Government to withdraw Bill 143 and Bill 144 from Parliament, related to planning and development reforms.

The NGOs note that there is a broad consensus among social partners that the reform as proposed is unworkable and creates more uncertainty than ever before.

The NGOs feel that they cannot meaningfully engage with these two Bills, not to mention the upcoming legal notice allowing law breakers to pay to get a permit for their illegalities.

The proposed "reforms" promote preferential treatment and abuse of power in the planning sector, while also restricting objectors and appellant's rights and rewarding law breakers. The reforms directly undermine the rule of law in the planning sector, making maladministration the law of the land instead.

While the proposed reforms are absolutely objectionable in principle, the NGOs also note that the bills were deliberately engineered to neutralise their efforts and their hard-won legal battles in protecting the environment in Malta and Gozo.

Thus the NGOs see no other option but to urge all MPs to support the motion tabled by the PN in Parliament to withdraw Bills 143 and 144. Following this the Government should begin anew with a comprehensive planning reform which has the well-being and quality of life of the Maltese and Gozitans at heart, with the protection of the environment as an essential prerequisite to this end.

The NGOs that signed the statement are Ramblers Association of Malta, Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Aħjar, Birdlife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Nature Trust Malta, Friends of the Earth Malta, Moviment Graffitti, Għawdix and Wirt Għawdex.