Tesla Factory in Adelaide Moves Forward Despite Strong Public Opposition
Tesla has cleared a significant hurdle toward establishing a new facility in Adelaide, as the City of Marion council voted to advance plans for a battery-repurposing plant despite widespread community opposition centered on both environmental concerns and disapproval of Elon Musk.
At a council meeting on Tuesday night, members voted to seek state government approval to sell a portion of land to a developer planning to construct a Tesla facility. The proposed site would include a battery-recycling plant, showroom, and service center. The land, currently classified as community space, has not been in use since 2016.
The proposal faced overwhelming opposition from residents, with 95% of public submissions calling for its rejection. Many voiced concerns over potential environmental impacts, including the loss of trees and fears the site would attract protests. Several comments included language critical of Musk, some of which were redacted in official records, including one submission calling Tesla and Musk a “[redacted] on humanity.”
The backlash comes amid declining Tesla sales and growing criticism of Musk’s political activities, including his role in the Trump administration’s “department of government efficiency” and controversial public behavior that some have interpreted as politically extreme.
Despite the controversy, Marion Mayor Kris Hanna defended the decision, citing economic benefits and the limited value of the site for community use due to soil contamination.
“Blocking this project wouldn’t affect Elon Musk, but it would mean losing 100 potential local jobs,” Hanna said. “It’s better to cover the site with a renewable energy facility than leave it unused and unsafe.”
Hanna added that Tesla had acknowledged concerns about tree removal and committed to exceeding replanting requirements and preserving significant trees on the property.
Councillor Sarah Luscombe voted against the proposal, citing both environmental concerns and skepticism about the project’s benefits. “Tesla only recycles its own batteries,” she said. “Most South Australians don’t even use Tesla products.”
Ultimately, the council voted 8–3 in favor of removing the land’s community designation, paving the way for the development to proceed, pending state approval.
Premier Peter Malinauskas expressed cautious support for the project. Speaking to The Advertiser, he said, “Any major industrial investment in South Australia is welcome. While I strongly disagree with Mr. Musk’s politics, that’s his choice.”
A spokesperson for the state government confirmed that the proposal would now be assessed by the local government minister. “The state government welcomes investment and job creation in South Australia,” the spokesperson said.
