'Ugly': Residents slam tech mogul's plans for one Aussie suburb
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Australia takes pride in the country's scenic views and diverse communities.
When thinking of suburbs, many would conjure scenes composed of quiet streets, friendly neighbours, and the gentle rustling of trees.
Yet, for residents of a particular area in Adelaide, this peaceful image is under a massive threat.
The controversy began when Marion Council floated the idea of selling off the long-closed Chestnut Court Reserve.
The move was to make way for a Tesla battery factory, service centre, and showroom in the area.
The council's pitch was simple: sell the unused reserve to a Melbourne-based developer, MAB CCT Pty Ltd, who will then lease it to Tesla.
This plan promised 100 new jobs in the area, a shot in the arm for the local economy, and a nod to green technology.
Marion's mayor and other supporters stated that it could be a chance to put a contaminated, unused patch of land to good use.
However, locals believe that this reality could be an 'ugly' sight.
Out of nearly 1,000 residents who responded to the council's consultation, 90 per cent of respondents said 'No thanks'.
One of their main concerns was the loss of green space and trees.
The area had 58 trees that kept the suburb cool and supported local wildlife.
Locals have launched a website, 'Trees Not Teslas', to rally opposition.
The movement argued that replanting saplings would not be able to make up for the loss of mature trees.
However, it's not just the trees that have residents worried.
The man behind Tesla, Elon Musk, has become a lightning rod for controversy.
His recent political entanglements in the United States and his role in slashing public services have made headlines worldwide.
Tesla showrooms and factories overseas have become flashpoints for demonstrations.
Locals feared that bringing a Tesla facility to Adelaide could attract protests and unwanted attention, tarnishing the suburb's reputation in the process.
As one resident put it, the factory would be a 'planet-destroying temple to billionaires'.
Watch 9News Australia's coverage about protests in Tesla dealerships:
Source: 9News Australia/YouTube
On the other hand, the area's history of industrial contamination makes it a risky spot for any new development.
Chestnut Court Reserve has been closed since 2016 due to contamination from past industrial use, which included vehicle manufacturing.
Some argued that building a factory on top of contaminated land could lead to disaster.
Instead, locals insisted that the government should step in and decontaminate the land for public use as a revitalised park or a conservation area.
Councillor Sarah Luscombe suggested opening the land up to local companies with ideas for conservation or biodiversity projects.
However, before any of these plans get carried out, the City of Marion needs state government approval to reclassify the reserve from 'community land' to sellable property.
The issue will be further deliberated at the next council meeting.
Have you ever faced a similar dilemma in your community? Do you think the promise of jobs and investment outweighs the loss of green space? Share your thoughts and opinions about this issue in the comments section below.
When thinking of suburbs, many would conjure scenes composed of quiet streets, friendly neighbours, and the gentle rustling of trees.
Yet, for residents of a particular area in Adelaide, this peaceful image is under a massive threat.
The controversy began when Marion Council floated the idea of selling off the long-closed Chestnut Court Reserve.
The move was to make way for a Tesla battery factory, service centre, and showroom in the area.
The council's pitch was simple: sell the unused reserve to a Melbourne-based developer, MAB CCT Pty Ltd, who will then lease it to Tesla.
The Chestnut Court Reserve has been closed off from the public. Image Credit: Google Maps
This plan promised 100 new jobs in the area, a shot in the arm for the local economy, and a nod to green technology.
Marion's mayor and other supporters stated that it could be a chance to put a contaminated, unused patch of land to good use.
However, locals believe that this reality could be an 'ugly' sight.
Out of nearly 1,000 residents who responded to the council's consultation, 90 per cent of respondents said 'No thanks'.
One of their main concerns was the loss of green space and trees.
The area had 58 trees that kept the suburb cool and supported local wildlife.
Locals have launched a website, 'Trees Not Teslas', to rally opposition.
The movement argued that replanting saplings would not be able to make up for the loss of mature trees.
However, it's not just the trees that have residents worried.
The man behind Tesla, Elon Musk, has become a lightning rod for controversy.
His recent political entanglements in the United States and his role in slashing public services have made headlines worldwide.
Tesla showrooms and factories overseas have become flashpoints for demonstrations.
Locals feared that bringing a Tesla facility to Adelaide could attract protests and unwanted attention, tarnishing the suburb's reputation in the process.
As one resident put it, the factory would be a 'planet-destroying temple to billionaires'.
Watch 9News Australia's coverage about protests in Tesla dealerships:
Source: 9News Australia/YouTube
On the other hand, the area's history of industrial contamination makes it a risky spot for any new development.
Chestnut Court Reserve has been closed since 2016 due to contamination from past industrial use, which included vehicle manufacturing.
Some argued that building a factory on top of contaminated land could lead to disaster.
Instead, locals insisted that the government should step in and decontaminate the land for public use as a revitalised park or a conservation area.
Councillor Sarah Luscombe suggested opening the land up to local companies with ideas for conservation or biodiversity projects.
However, before any of these plans get carried out, the City of Marion needs state government approval to reclassify the reserve from 'community land' to sellable property.
The issue will be further deliberated at the next council meeting.
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