“Trees not Teslas” Vows Ongoing Battle as Factory Project Moves to State Level

The “Trees not Teslas” protest movement is gearing up for the next phase of its battle against Elon Musk’s proposed battery factory in South Australia, following the Marion city council’s decision to greenlight the project. Despite overwhelming community opposition, the council’s approval means the activists must now shift their focus to lobbying the state government for a rejection.
The controversy surrounding the Tesla showroom and battery recycling plant has been amplified by widespread “anti-Tesla and anti-Elon Musk sentiment” within the community. This was clearly evident in the nearly 1,000 submissions to the council, with 95% expressing strong disapproval, reflecting a global current of anger directed at the billionaire.
The Marion city council, however, opted to prioritize the potential economic windfall, including an estimated 100 new jobs and millions of dollars in community income. Mayor Kris Hanna articulated this perspective, suggesting that the economic benefits were too significant to forgo, particularly given that Tesla could easily establish its operations elsewhere.
Nevertheless, “Trees not Teslas” remains unwavering in its commitment. They argue that the council’s disregard for public opinion undermines democratic principles and that the environmental impact of replacing mature trees with saplings is severe. The South Australian state government now faces a complex decision that will test its commitment to both economic development and public sentiment.