Repairing ‘the snake’

climate conditions, increasing the protection of marine reserves with faster detection and response systems for pollution, and increasing the number of green areas are also on the list.

Regarding CO2 emissions, the association suggests limiting flights and cruise ships and fining airlines when running at less than 85 per cent of their capacity.

Boosting public transport and gradually limiting car access to the busiest parts of the island was also among the most widely supported proposals.

For the full list of proposals visit assem bleapelclima.net

Juliette hits olive oil production

OLIVE oil production in Soller and Fornalutx is expected to drop this year by half due to the severe damage caused by Storm Juliette two weeks ago.

Spokespeople for the local farming cooperative lament that they were expecting a good haul this year with around 75 kilos per tree, which will now be reduced by at least 50 per cent.

The regional Agriculture department visited the affected crops this week to assess the situation and promised financial help for producers to compensate for their losses.

Mallorca Island Council has already reserved €1.5 million to pay for plot clearance and minor repairs.

Department sources reported that all olive tree plantations located 400 metres above sea level and higher were affected by the record snowfall, adding that “they will have to be drastically cut back and production will take a long time to recover.”

In some plantations the trees have reportedly lost all their productive branches and will have to be regrafted, meaning it will be another 10 years until they can produce olives again.

REPAIR work has begun on Sa Calobra road after a delay caused by Storm Juliette two weeks ago.

The repairs were classed as urgent following a collapse of an embankment on February 7, which forced the local authorities to close the road to traffic with only residents allowed to pass.

Since then it has been reopened to vehicles of less than 10 tonnes, a restriction that will remain in place until work is completed due to technical and safety reasons.

According to Turismo Mallorca: “Hidden within the Sierra de Tramuntana, Sa Calobra

SPRING Festival is one of the most spectacular roads in Spain and the world.”

Port Adriano is back after several years on pause.

Sa Calobra means ‘the snake’ in Catalan, name given due to its tight bends and the way it ‘snakes’ through the mountains.

It is also quite dangerous, as its 14 kilometres run above sharp drops with very few barriers, no central line and a frequent traffic of cars, buses and bicycles.

The road was built in 1932 without the use of heavy machinery and is one of the main tourist attractions of Mallorca for drivers looking for an exhilarating experience that is not for the faint­hearted.

Welcome spring!

The event will be held on Saturday March 18 from 11am to 6pm and will feature numerous activities for the whole family, especially for the little ones, including workshops, performances, circuits, exhibitions, clowns, storytelling, Zumba and much more.

Admission to the event will cost €4 per person. All funds raised at the party will be donat­ ed to the NGO Educaclown.

We want to avoid the use of single­use plastics, so we ask attendees to bring a refillable bottle to the event for water consumption. We will have a water fountain provided by Cleanwave.org.

In addition, Cleanwave Education will also be offering a children’s yoga class, so remember to bring your mat if you want to take part.

For further information visit Port Adriano of Facebook.

Setting up home in Mallorca is always a pleasure, whether you plan to live here permanently or enjoy regular visits. You may already have a check list of jobs as you settle into the island, but it is important to include reviewing your financial planning on that list.

Taxation in Spain

Tax residency in Spain is not just about day counting. You could be resident even if you do not live in Spain but your spouse and/or minor dependent children do, or if your centre of economic interests is here.

UK nationals also need to understand the UK Statutory Residence Test and make sure you apply the rules correctly.

Spain residents are liable for Spanish income, capital gains and wealth taxes on worldwide assets and subject to Spanish succession and gift tax rules, as well as annual reporting of assets. Establish how your wealth is affected by these taxes and what mitigation opportunities are available.

Income tax rates for Balearic Island residents currently range from 19% to 49.5%. Savings income benefits from lower rates, from 19% to