The White Rocks is a sprawling, derelict site on the coast between Pembroke and Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq. File photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Updated 4.40pm with PN reaction
Cabinet has approved the publication of the legal notice that will establish White Rocks as a national park.
The White Rocks is a sprawling, derelict site on the coast between Pembroke and Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq. Prime Minister Robert Abela promised last November that the controversial White Rocks complex will be transformed into a national, open and green park.
On Wednesday, the government said in a statement that the legal notice will ensure the site can be safeguarded, and public access, recreational use, and conservation are given the highest priority.
The legal notice, which has not been published yet, would also establish Project Green as the agency responsible for the administration of the park.
In the same statement, the government said this "fulfilled promise" was one of several main reforms the government had kicked off or completed before parliament's summer recess.
Among others, parliament has approved amendments to the Constitution to consider disability as a protected characteristic under the highest law, while the government advanced a bill to the third reading with the aim of establishing the National Commission for Human Rights and Equality.
Two bills - one ensuring that no new development or construction can begin while the permit is still under appeal and another aimed at strengthening the legislative framework of the voluntary sector were also tabled in parliament.
The past few days also saw the publication of a commencement notice to bring into force the Personal Autonomy Act and the Protection of Adults in Vulnerable Situations Act.
A separate legal notice was also published with an extended list of genetic conditions eligible for pre-implantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders, better known as PGT-M.
Parliament meanwhile approved two other bills aimed at strengthening the rule of law: a new and independent system for appointments to Specialised Administrative Tribunals, and greater scrutiny of the Attorney General's decisions when deciding not to prosecute.
'Public deserves guarantees on national parks': PN
The PN welcomed the legal notice while calling for a clear definition of what constitutes a national park.
"People must be guaranteed that they will be able to enjoy, whenever they wish and free of charge, every area the prime minister promised would become a national park," planning shadow minister Rebekah Borg said in a statement.
"People know what has happened in other locations and must have peace of mind that every area classified as a national park will be open to the entire public, in its entirety and free of charge," she warned.
People were yearning for open spaces to enjoy during their leisure time, and such a right needed to be safeguarded at all times, she added.
