Elon Musk’s Tesla is moving closer to establishing a factory in an Adelaide suburb, despite significant resistance from the local community, driven by anti-Tesla and anti-Elon Musk sentiments. The City of Marion council recently voted to seek approval from the state government to sell the proposed site to a developer for constructing the factory.
Nine out of ten people who submitted their opinions opposed the plan due to environmental concerns and the potential of the site attracting protesters. Some of the more extreme objections, including derogatory remarks about Tesla and Musk, have been censored from official records.
Tesla’s sales have taken a hit in Europe amid backlash against Musk, stemming from his work with the Trump administration and certain actions perceived as controversial, such as a gesture seen as a fascist salute.
However, Marion’s mayor, Kris Hanna, points out that blocking the land sale would not affect Musk and would cost local residents 100 jobs. Hanna also mentioned that the site’s contaminated soil isn’t suitable for recreation, making it suitable for a renewable technology facility. In addition, the factory planned by Tesla aims to recover and recycle lithium-ion batteries.
Mayor Hanna stated on ABC radio that the council voted to change the community land status, despite not being utilized since 2016. He acknowledged the residents’ concerns but emphasized the positive impact on the local economy. He also noted that the issue of tree conservation had been recognized and Tesla had pledged to replace trees and preserve significant trees on the site.
The mayor concluded by saying that the council has done everything within its power and now awaits the state government’s decision.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/28/tesla-factory-marion-council-south-australia-adelaide-elon-musk
