SA premier defends MotoGP tree removals with almost 400 now slated for chop
SA Premier Peter Malinaukas has rejected claims he misled the public over the number of trees to be felled in Adelaide's east parklands to make way for a new city motorsport track.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has defended plans to remove 400 trees in Adelaide's eastern parklands to make way for a new MotoGP track. The opposition leader, Ashton Hurn, has raised concerns over transparency, noting that the premier initially claimed only 45 trees would be removed. The three-week community consultation is underway to discuss the project.
Malinauskas has denied misleading the public, stating he simply recited the information he received, with the figure later being clarified as significant trees. The government has pledged to plant 10 trees for every removal, with some larger, mature specimens being replanted. Greens MLC Melanie Selwood criticized the removal of significant trees during the climate crisis.
The Adelaide Parklands Association has vowed to continue opposing the action, including relocating trees that are slated for removal. The government has attached $15 million in funding to the project, which will also include nature-positive upgrades for the parklands.
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