Adelaide residents revolt against proposed Tesla factory citing Musk backlash

Adelaide residents are mounting fierce opposition to a proposed Tesla factory in their suburb, with locals describing the plan as an “ugly” development that would create a “planet-destroying temple to billionaires.”

Marion Council in Adelaide’s southwest proposed selling the disused Chestnut Court Reserve for a Tesla battery factory, service centre and showroom in April, citing potential financial benefits. However, the proposal has triggered overwhelming community resistance, with approximately 90 per cent of nearly 1,000 consultation responses rejecting the project.

According to consultation results, 897 respondents voted against the Tesla facility while just 57 supported it, highlighting the depth of local opposition to bringing Elon Musk’s brand to their neighbourhood.

The backlash extends beyond typical development concerns, with residents specifically citing their opposition to Tesla’s controversial owner (pictured.) Musk has faced mounting criticism in recent months for his close involvement in the 2024 US election, personal ties to President Donald Trump, and his role leading sweeping cuts to public services as head of the US Department of Government Efficiency.

“Tesla factories and showrooms around the world have recently drawn hundreds of protesters opposing Elon Musk’s political ventures — a scene Adelaide residents fear could be replicated if the proposed site goes ahead,” according to community concerns.

Opponents have established a “Trees Not Teslas” website arguing the development would “bring protests to the area and give the community a bad image.” They’re particularly concerned about the removal of 58 trees, including mature specimens that “help cool the neighbourhood and support biodiversity.”

The site has remained closed since 2016 due to contamination from historical industrial activity, adding another layer of complexity to the proposal. Residents argue that “putting a factory on top of it will not help, and promises from private companies to clean and decontaminate public land are ahistorical.”

Melbourne-based developer MAB CCT Pty Ltd is behind the proposal, with Tesla lined up as a long-term tenant. Supporters, including Marion’s mayor, claim the project would generate around 100 jobs and provide economic benefits.

City of Marion councillor Sarah Luscombe opposes the plan, suggesting the council should “put it out to open tender to more local companies who could innovate and do something with the land for conservation biodiversity.”

The issue will be discussed at the next council meeting.

Picture: credit Gage Skidmore (CC BY-SA 2.0)