Finance Minister, Prof. Edward Scicluna has been presenting Budget 2015 in the House of Representatives this evening. The main highlights in the Budget for Gozo are as follows;

Minister Scicluna said that the Government recognises the importance of Gozo, adding that it has plans to attract more investment there. With RS2 investing €1 million in a new office at Xewkija, it will be the the first FDI in Gozo for more than 25 years.

Studies for the construction of an airstrip in Gozo

The Minister said that this Government intends to boost to the physical accessibility of Gozo. Studies are underway regarding a project for a rural airfield in Gozo. The studies for a bridge or tunnel are not out of the picture, however further studies would be needed, which have not been funded by the EU.

Tender for a Cruise Liner Terminal as well as a Marina in Gozo

Following the conclusion of the Request for Proposals, the Government will be evaluating the proposal submitted by the selected consortium.

Cruise liner mooring buoy in Gozo

The present buoy in Xlendi is not suitable to the use of the industry, the Minister had said. A new one will be constructed to moor of Xlendi, which will provide adequate facility where cruise liners can moor to disembark quality tourists in Gozo.

Programme for employment in Gozo

Gozo will be given priority in the employment sector through a renewal of the Employment Aid Programme with an investment of an additional two million Euros.

Implementation of a study on a fibre optic link to Gozo

A study of the technical and financial feasibility of a submarine fibre optic cable between Malta and Gozo will be completed in the coming months.

Digital hub in Gozo

Work will continue on the setting up of a Digital Hub.

Development of the former MDP site in Gozo

Preparations will be undertaken to develop the former MDP site in Xewkija to attract investment and continue to create high quality employment.

Setting up of an SME Park in Gozo

The Xewkija Industrial Zone will be expanded through the creation of space for an SME Park.

MEUSAC will again open a representative office in Gozo

MEUSAC will open its representative office in Gozo. This will serve as a first contact point with individual, enterprises, NGOs and local councils.

Embellishment work in Marsalforn and Xlendi

Embellishment work will continue in Marsalforn and Xlendi and various squares in Gozo, among them those at Ghajnsielem, Xaghra and also Xewkija.

New public bay in Gozo

As part of its plan to improve the touristic product, work will start on a plan which, together with the private sector, will see the necessary investment in the creation of a new public bays that will ensure the respect the natural environment.

Embellishment programme under way in the Cittadella.

Restoration work should be completed by the middle of 2015, returning the Cittadella to its former glory, the Minister said.

New Court of Law in Gozo

A public consultation is under way with the aim of launching the project of a new Court of law to be built in Gozo, which will eventually replace the current building located in the Cittadella.

Medical hub in Gozo

Work will continue in connection with the development of the medical hub in Gozo, with the Gozo General Hospital benefiting from this investment. The Minister said that with this investment Gozo will benefit from medical tourism.

Home for the Elderly in Gozo

Following the issuing of MEPA permits, preparations will start so that the home for the elderly in Gozo will be set up and operated in the best way. This home, providing space for around seventy rooms, will ensure the dignity of Gozitan senior citizens.

Incentive for cruise liners overnight stays

The Government will be launching a scheme whereby cruise liners can remain in Malta overnight. They will be able to open their casinos after obtaining approval from the Lotteries and Gaming Authority upon the payment of a fee. To safeguard Maltese casinos, these cruise liners will only be able to allow registered passengers to engage in such activities. In addition, and in order to promote Gozo, cruise liners which choose to remain overnight in Gozo will be exempted from paying the fee.

Photograph: View of the Citadel and Gozo from Xaghra by Alain Salvary

Permalink: Highlights for Gozo from Monday evening’s Budget 2015 presentation