Adelaide activists are standing firm in their opposition to Elon Musk’s proposed Tesla factory, asserting that the promise of 100 new jobs is insufficient to overcome their concerns, particularly after the Marion city council gave initial approval. The “Trees not Teslas” movement continues its fight, now targeting the state government for a definitive halt to the project.
The council’s decision to greenlight the project, despite overwhelming community objections, has been a flashpoint. Approximately 95% of nearly 1,000 public submissions were against the Tesla showroom and battery recycling and repurposing plant, with many expressing strong “anti-Tesla and anti-Elon Musk sentiment” that extended beyond job creation arguments.
Mayor Kris Hanna and other council members emphasized the economic benefits, including the 100 new jobs and millions of dollars in revenue, as key justifications for their vote. They argued that denying the project locally would simply mean Tesla would establish its operations elsewhere, depriving Marion of the economic uplift.
However, opponents like those from “Trees not Teslas” argue that the environmental impact of tree removal and the perceived disregard for public opinion outweigh the economic benefits. They are now focusing their efforts on convincing the South Australian state government to reject the proposal, maintaining that the current economic argument is insufficient to justify the development.
Adelaide Activists Unmoved by Jobs Pledge, Continue Fight Against Tesla Factory
