The Marion city council’s decision to approve the initial stage of the Tesla factory project has been branded a “betrayal” of public trust by enraged activists, who point to overwhelming community opposition as evidence of the council’s disregard for local sentiment. The contentious vote sets the stage for a continued, and likely intensified, battle at the state government level.
The scale of public dissent against the proposed Tesla showroom and battery recycling facility was unprecedented, with 95% of nearly 1,000 public submissions expressing strong opposition. The objections were not solely environmental; many submissions openly articulated “anti-Tesla and anti-Elon Musk sentiment,” reflecting a deep ideological divide within the community.
Despite this clear and vociferous rejection from residents, the Marion council voted eight to three in favor of advancing the project. Proponents on the council emphasized the economic benefits, including 100 new jobs and significant financial contributions, arguing that these outweighed the local concerns and that Tesla would simply go elsewhere if denied.
However, the “Trees not Teslas” movement and other concerned citizens are not yielding. They contend that the council’s decision makes a mockery of genuine public consultation and that the promised tree replacements are inadequate. The focus now shifts to the South Australian state government, where activists hope to reverse the council’s controversial decision.
