The proposal creates around 100 jobs locally.
South Australian Prime Minister Peter Marinauskas supports plans for the state’s Tesla plant despite protests from the activist group “Tree Not Teslas.”
Developer MAB CCT is about to build a factory on the outskirts of Tonsley, Adelaide.
The facility will establish long-term Tesla tenants, allow for battery reuse and create a showroom for vehicles.
However, the non-Teslas tree sets up a web page encouraging the community to oppose the development, destroying the green space and linking to CEO Elon Musk.
SA Premier protects Tesla
However, Marinauskas told reporters that Tesla has “a rather good track record in South Australia,” especially when it comes to renewable energy.
“When I look at the big major industrial investments in our state, in my opinion, it’s very welcome,” he told reporters.
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Development details
Marion City Council proposes selling Tonslee community lands at market value to developers, Council documents (PDF) show.
The proposed development site was a former Mitsubishi Motors Australia plant and forms part of the Tonslee Innovation District, where Tesla is now located.
In a letter of public consultation, the council argued that the facility would create 100 jobs, financially benefit the council and generate revenue.
“The Chestnut Court Reserve has not been open to the public since 2016 due to pollution concerns. Through the sale of the land, MAB CCT PTY LTD must address pollution to support future development applications.”
Among the submissions against development were “anti-Tesla and anti-Eron musk sentiments.”
The response reflects “distrust of mask effects,” “disapproval of Tesla as a company,” and “moral objections,” according to a report from Marion City May 27th.
“Some submissions reflect strong ideological opposition to Elon Musk and Tesla,” the report said.
We noted that the feedback was not related to site-specific or project-specific influences, but rather reflects a broader fear.
“They will introduce complex global issues into the context of local planning,” the council added.
But despite this criticism, council officials argued that the project offered innovation, economic and employment benefits.
“Despite ideological and environmental criticism, the proposal offers great benefits that seem to outweigh the objections. The land is currently unused as it is contaminated with all council assets that have been destroyed over a decade ago,” a council officer argued.
“While it is unlikely that this land will again be considered suitable for residential occupation, its use as an extension of the Tonsuri district and as a new factory/warehouse location focusing on battery reuse, vehicle service and showroom functions are effective on currently immature land.
In conclusion, council officials said its advantage outweighed the “symbolic geopolitical” criticism expressed in the submission.
“Some objections to the proposal refer to ideological opposition to Elon Musk and Tesla’s global position, but these do not directly undermine the local merits of the developer’s proposal,” they said.
Stocks will skyrocket after Musk returns
However, Tesla’s shares rose 5.34% in the US market on May 27th, in response to Musk’s announcement that he would return to working for his company.
“I’m going back to spending 24/7 at work and sleeping in a meeting/server/factory room. I have to be very focused on X/Xai and Tesla (the launch of Plus Starship) because there’s important technology rolling out.”
Created in 2003, Musk’s Tesla is the world’s top selling electric vehicle brand and controls the EV market worldwide.
His signature EVs include the Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, Cyber Truck, and the upcoming Roadster high-performance sports car.
