Environmentalists are giving Michael Falzon a lukewarm reception as they adopt a wait-and-see approach on his appointment as planning parliamentary secretary.

While planning will remain under the wings of the Prime Minister, Dr Falzon replaced Michael Farrugia in Saturday’s Cabinet reshuffle.

The move comes at a time when the government has just released a White Paper mapping out the split between the environmental and planning functions of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

But for marine biologist Alan Deidun, a reshuffle just one year down the line may cause instability.

“Michael Farrugia took a year to learn the ropes on a subject he was not acquainted with and now the learning curve will have to start again with Michael Falzon,” he said, adding that planning required stability.

However, he also raised the possibility of Dr Falzon having a conflict of interest after he was roped in last year to draft Mepa’s policy on fireworks factories.

Dr Falzon, who serves as legal counsel to the Malta Pyrotechnics Association, chaired a working group that drew up the draft policy.

Now, in his role as the person politically responsible for Mepa, environmentalists like Dr Deidun are questioning whether the authority will adopt a laxer approach towards the fireworks sector.

Dr Deidun also asked whether Dr Falzon will retain the services of planning consultant Robert Musumeci, an architect, who was responsible for the planning split.

Environmental groups have raised concern at Mr Musumeci’s pro-development outlook.

“As a concession to the environment lobby Dr Falzon should at least replace Mr Musumeci,” Dr Deidun said.

Vince Attard, Nature Trust president, said it still had to be seen whether the “bulldozing” that was going on over the past year in the planning sector will continue under Dr Falzon.

Michael Farrugia took a year to learn the ropes... and now the learning curve will have to start again

“We have to see whether this will continue, especially when it comes to land reclamation and policies related to outside development zones,” Mr Attard said.

However, from an environment perspective he welcomed the fact that Environment Minister Leo Brincat retained his portfolio. Nature Trust has established a good working relationship with Mr Brincat, he added.

Adopting a cautious approach, Simone Mizzi, president of Din l-Art Ħelwa, said the heritage organisation would continue to give its opinion and collaborate with “whoever is responsible for heritage, planning and the environment”.