Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1524428
9 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 24 JULY 2024 NEWS MATTHEW VELLA mvella@mediatoday.com.mt NINE organisations have strongly condemned plans to amend the Ħal Far Local Plan so as to allow the construction of an airstrip for model aeroplanes in Wied Żnuber. Moviment Graffitti said the proposed changes stemmed from what it said was a secret agreement made in February 2022 between three govern- ment agencies and the Ħal Far Model Flying Association, al- locating public land for an air- strip for model aeroplanes. "This agreement was reached without consulting the Local Council, residents, or NGOs, undermining the integrity of the entire planning process," Graffitti said. "The Birżebbuġa community and environmental organisa- tions have since been express- ing their strong opposition to this socially and environmen- tally harmful plan." The local plan amendments, as outlined in the public con- sultation, will enable the build- ing of a miniature airstrip in Wied Żnuber occupying 17,000 square metres. "Such structure will not on- ly gobble up natural land but also introduce constant noise and light pollution, impacting a much larger Natura 2000 site. This poses a threat to the local ecosystem, including a near- by shearwater colony that will face an existential risk if this plan goes through," Graffitti said. It added that model aero- planes flying over a large area will also disrupt the serenity of the Wied Żnuber valley and degrade the quality of life of Birżebbuga residents and visi- tors. During the first phase of the consultation, hundreds of ob- jections from individuals and organisations were submitted, highlighting strong opposition to the proposal. "Despite this, the Planning Authority has disregarded these objections without pro- viding any justification. Fur- thermore, the supposed pro- tective measures introduced in this phase are wholly insuffi- cient. Instead of extending the ODZ, as initially envisaged, the plan proposes an inade- quate 'Area to be Conserved and Restored' serving merely as a 'buffer zone' to the Natura 2000 site," the NGOs said. They said dubbing aero mod- elling as a low impact sport in the proposed amendments also contradicted the sport's invasive and polluting nature, "highlighting the illegitimacy of the entire consultation pro- cess, which lacks any study on the environmental and com- munity impacts of the pro- posed airstrip." "We strongly believe that governmental decisions should prioritise our environ- ment and quality of life over private agreements. Thus, the organisations urge Govern- ment to retract the proposed amendments that would per- mit the construction of a mod- el airstrip in Wied Żnuber. We call for the entire 39,800 square meters of the area to be designated as ODZ and to be given the robust environmen- tal protection it needs," they said. The public can object to these plans by sending an email to halfar.review@pa.org.mt by the 24 July. The organisations are BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Ħel- wa, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, Għaqda Storja u Kultu- ra Birżebbuġa, Għawdix, Mov- iment Graffitti, Nature Trust Malta, and Ramblers Associa- tion Malta. NGOs slam government plans to allow model airstrip in Wied Znuber Nine organisations have strongly condemned plans to amend the Ħal Far Local Plan so as to allow the construction of an airstrip for model aeroplanes in Wied Żnuber Wied Znuber lies in the outskirts of Birzebbuga (Photo: Moviment Graffitti) HALMANN Vella has an- nounced that its €23,000,000 5.35% Secured Bonds 2031 – 2034, as detailed in the prospec- tus dated 28 June 2024, has been fully subscribed. As a result, the Intermediaries' Offer scheduled for 26 July 2024 will not take place. The basis of acceptance and allocation policy will be an- nounced by no later than 26 Kevin Rapinett, Group CEO of Halmann Vella Group, said "The strong confidence in the company's vision and strategic direction is truly encouraging. I express my gratitude to the trust shown in the Group by its loyal bondholders, our team of advi- sors and the support received from financial intermediaries." This achievement coincides with a significant milestone for Halmann Vella, as the company celebrates its 70th anniversary. Over the years, Halmann Vel- la, a leading provider of natu- ral stone products, has evolved from a family-run business into an established Group that har- moniously blends professional management with foundational family values, whilst broadening its horizons through a strategic property portfolio. With a dedicated workforce of over 200 employees, Hal- mann Vella operates from two of the industry's largest manu- facturing facilities, featuring the latest technology and a state- of-the-art showcase of natural stone. The company's portfolio, which spans from historic land- marks to contemporary projects, stands as a testament to an un- wavering pursuit of architectural excellence and a lasting impact on Malta's landscape. Halmann Vella remains com- mitted to continuous invest- ment and growth, maintaining its leadership in research, quali- ty, and innovation. Environmen- tal stewardship is a cornerstone of the company's ethos, with a dedication to minimising the ecological footprint through in- novative initiatives, ensuring the creation of sustainable architec- ture for a greener tomorrow. Halmann Vella Group announces oversubscription of €23,000,000 5.35% secured bonds 2031–2034