Elon Musk’s public persona and ideology are proving central to the fierce opposition against his proposed Tesla factory in Adelaide, demonstrating how the individual behind a company can significantly impact local project acceptance. The Marion city council’s approval has only intensified this personal dimension of the protest.
The public outcry against the proposed Tesla showroom and battery recycling and repurposing factory was profound. An astonishing 95% of nearly 1,000 submissions to the council opposed the development, with many explicitly citing “anti-Tesla and anti-Elon Musk sentiment.” This clearly demonstrates the personal and political nature of the local opposition.
In the face of this strong and widespread dissent, the Marion city council chose to prioritize the economic benefits of the development, including the creation of 100 jobs and a multi-million dollar injection into the local economy. Mayor Kris Hanna underscored this point, suggesting that blocking the project locally would merely shift Tesla’s operations elsewhere.
The focus of the protest now shifts to the state government, which will have the final say on the development. “Trees not Teslas” is determined to continue its fight, arguing that the council’s decision undermines the democratic process and that Musk’s influence should not dictate local development. This ongoing struggle in South Australia reflects a growing global trend of communities pushing back against corporate developments tied to controversial figures.