The “Trees not Teslas” protest movement is reportedly preparing for a potential legal challenge as the controversial Tesla factory project in South Australia advances following its approval by the Marion city council. The group’s determination signals an escalating fight, moving beyond public protests to potentially legal avenues to halt the development.
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 explicitly expressing “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, and are likely exploring legal options if state approval is granted.