The heated debate over the proposed Tesla factory in Adelaide has reached a new level, with the Marion city council redacting language in some public submissions for “decency,” highlighting the intensity of community anger. Despite this vociferous opposition, the council has approved the project’s initial stage, setting the stage for a continued fight at the state level.
The sheer volume and nature of the public submissions were remarkable. Nearly 1,000 entries were received, with 95% opposing the Tesla showroom and battery recycling plant. The redacted comments indicate the depth of “anti-Tesla and anti-Elon Musk sentiment,” suggesting a deeply personal and often visceral reaction to the billionaire and his company.
In the face of such overwhelming public disapproval, the Marion city council voted to advance the project, citing the creation of 100 jobs and millions of dollars in economic benefits for the community. This decision has further inflamed activists, who argue that the council effectively ignored genuine public sentiment.
The “Trees not Teslas” movement and other concerned citizens are not backing down. They are now mobilizing for the critical state government approval stage, hoping that the state will be more receptive to the strong public outcry and the environmental concerns surrounding the project, including the impact of tree removal.