CONTROL OF MUSIC NOISE FROM PUBLIC PREMISES

In Malta there are no laws, regulations or legal notices controlling noise from establishments - or at least they do not define what is a nuisance in measurable terms i.e. in sound levels. Meetings to tackle the problems of noise from Ta' Qali in H'Attard especially noise during the night from parties always come to the same conclusion: the laws are weak or non-existent.

We do not need to re-invent the wheel. A very quick search on the internet and up come regulations from Victoria in Australia - the sound levels are set in decibels and depend on the venue and the time. Worth having a look at.

Here is the link: http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/about_us/legislation/noise.asp

Clothes recycling 2 June

On 2nd June 2012 from 9am till noon unwanted, old, torn/damaged clothes, handbags and shoes (only clean items please) will be collected for recycling in H'Attard.

Collection point: Triq il-Mosta, near recycling collection point - in front of Palma garden.

What does the community gain? Less material to landfill, and thus less landfill fees, not to mention the benefits of less waste.

I thank REFAB for their commitment. More information http://www.refabmalta.com/.

Fireworks - feedback to Government on report of accidents

The Government has asked local councils to submit feedback to the report on accidents in fireworks factories, which was published by a Government-appointed commission.

As a local councillor I submitted my feedback which is based on AD's position is:

1. That there should be a quota (per licensed person) on all chemicals used in fireworks, especially on oxidizing agents;

2. The respective laws should establish measurable noise levels (in decibels), to make things easier for enforcement;

3. That no permits for new fireworks factories should be granted.

Michael Briguglio, councillor in Sliema, also submitted the same feedback.

Textile recycling day in Ħ'Attard

Another collection day for used clothes for recycling: 2nd June 2012 - 9am till noon - Triq il-Mosta, Ħ'Attard, near recycling collection point.

What does the community gain? LESS rubbish to the landfill, less of your tax money spent on fees, and a better environment...

More info: www.refabmalta.com

Cyclist? Pedestrian? Do you live in H’Attard?

I want to hear from you… especially if you live in H’Attard, since I am planning some local initiatives.

I want to hear from all those who use a bicycle whether it’s for leisure or for commuting. I want to hear from you on how to improve conditions on our local roads, educate and inform residents about safety and help create better conditions for cyclists and pedestrians.

I would also like to hear if you would be interested in a mass cycling event in H’Attard. Or maybe you’re interested in joining a sub-committee on local mobility issues. If you are interested please contact me by email on cassarralph@gmail.com.

Ralph Cassar
Local Councillor, H’Attard

P.S. You might be interested in a report about mobility issues I authored with a colleague of mine recently. Follow this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Alternattiva/message/7873

Ta’ Qali action plan – my submission to MEPA

The Director of Planning

(2012 Revisions to the Ta’ Qali Action Plan)

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority

taqalirevisions2012@mepa.org.mt

Comments about the Ta’ Qali Action Plan revision

Ralph Cassar, local councillor (AD), H’Attard

General

Open spaces should remain open. Planting and afforestation should be restricted to the use of indigeneous and locally grown species. Noise and light pollution are issues which need to be addressed.

Convention and Exhibition facilities

The document makes reference to energy saving features for the convention and exhibition buildings proposed. The document should also make reference to light and noise pollution. Noise from the MFCC reaches Attard’s residential areas and its environs, with the noise being particularly of a nuisance late at night and early morning – midnight till 4am. A probable cause is sound systems which are not installed and designed professionally with towers of speakers projecting sound over too long a distance. Conditions on levels of sound should be imposed. Outdoor activities after midnight should be limited and even here sound limits should be imposed. Technological solutions exist. Sound barriers and other options such as heavy planting should be a condition for the buildings and outside areas. Embellishment around the facilities should use indigeneous and locally grown trees and shrubs.

Motor sports

The control of noise is also an issue here. Sound barriers should be a condition, together with heavy planting all around the complex.

Access to Ta’ Qali

Access to Ta’ Qali by private vehicles should be through the main arterial roads, access through residential areas such as Attard should be discouraged.

Mass transport of spectators and partons to mass events should be encouraged. As such the provision of parking should be restricted, with facilities available for easy access to the stadium and other facilities by large public transport veichles – minibuses, coaches and buses – and the provision of adequate, sheltered and comfortable areas for commuters.

Safe bicycle and pedestrian routes from nearby Attard, as well as safe cycle routes from Rabat and Mosta should be actively considered. Cycle parking facilites – preferably sheltered should be provided.

All new roads should have space for trees and shrubs on their sides.