The public invited to come up with ideas for camping sites, picnic areas

The government has launched a consultation process on recreational open spaces, urging people to submit their proposals for campsites, picnics and campsites by the end of March.

Launching a discussion paper Thursday, Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia acknowledged that there had been an increase in calls for places of recreation in recent months.

The government also felt the need for more recreational spaces in such an urbanized country, he said.

Now was the time for those who had asked for more such spaces to provide their proposals on what facilities they would like to see in areas already designated for these activities in local plans, Farrugia added.

Landowners who wish to rehabilitate their land for recreational purposes should also get in touch.

“Instead of using local plans to identify spaces that can be built, we should also look at local plans to identify areas that could be turned into places of recreation,” he said, adding that the government was looking to create more and better recreation areas and open spaces.

People can send their suggestions to outdoor@pa.org.mt before March 30.