GSD says Eastside Development can not be at the expense of Gibraltar's environment

The GSD says the development of the Eastside, while necessary, can not be at the expense of Gibraltar's environment. 

It asks whether protecting Catalan Bay will be another GSLP broken promise.

The GSD says it understands the need for a regeneration and development of the Eastside that finally removes the rubble mountain after many years of broken GSLP promises and injects economic growth. But, it states, we have obligations to future generations which should not be sacrificed in the pursuit of supposed short-term economic benefit.

Shadow Minister for the Environment, Giovanni Origo says everything should be done to ensure any development safeguards this unique part of Gibraltar.

He questions the Chief Minister's statement that the developer will undertake nourishment and monitoring of Eastern Beach and Catalan Bay for a period of ten years, with obligations continuing thereafter if deemed necessary.

Mr Origo believes this implies that it is envisaged the development may have a negative impact on the beach. And, he adds, while the Chief Minister also said the beaches will “reach equilibrium” within ten years, that forecast was not set out in terms of a guarantee, but was, at best, a projection but one that carries the implication of long-lasting effects.

The Government, he claims, also made clear it supported the proposed marina and breakwater at Catalan Bay despite concerns raised by residents about its impact on coastal dynamics and the visual encroachment. He adds it'is important to remind people also that during the election campaign, the GSLP/Libs issued letters to residents saying it was committed to protecting Catalan Bay, describing it, as “the jewel in the crown”. It promised that no aspect of the EastSideDevelopment, would encroach beyond the southernmost point of the reclamation.