Environmental impact studies should be carried out before a floating fun park can be considered for Golden Bay, Mellieħa mayor John Buttigieg said.

“I am against this in principle and hope that if this is seriously considered by the authorities, then proper studies are conducted first to see what effect this will have on this natural gem,” he said.

Mr Buttigieg was contacted for his reaction to proposals made by the Transport Ministry to establish a floating water fun park at Golden Bay, similar to that at Għadira Bay in Mellieħa. “We didn’t even know this was happening until a tender was issued by the government. We weren’t consulted,” Mr Buttigieg said.

A number of non-governmental organisations have expressed concern about the proposals, with several insisting the beach should not be treated like a commercial hub, but an important natural spot instead.

The Heritage Parks Federation, a collective of eNGOs, has come out strongly against the proposals, insisting such a floating park would “not be in keeping with the pristine environment of the bay”, recently awarded Blue Flag status.

We didn’t even know this was happening until a tender was issued by the government.We weren’t consulted

In a statement, the federation, made up of Nature Trust Malta, the Gaia Foundation and Din l-Art Ħelwa, said the proposal was “totally incompatible” with policies for marine protected areas and would cause damage with anchorages to the seabed.

The proposal envisages a park made of inflatables, which would take up almost 300 square metres from the restricted swimmers’ zone. The federation said this would also bring additional traffic to an already busy bay.

The federation has also argued that despite its small size, Golden Bay already hosts a very large water sports operation and has surpassed its carrying capacity for the activity.

Several eNGOs have been working to introduce more environmentally friendly measures at the beach.

After years of requests on the part of the federation, the recent successful removal of the Munchies Kiosk enabled the regeneration of the protected sand dunes. This was deemed “essential” for the long-term environmental management of the beach.

Earlier this month, a turtle laid its nest at the bay. It is being protected by volunteers from the three organisations, who are working together with Environment and Resources Authority.

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