Tonsley, Australia – A battle over a proposed Tesla battery recycling facility in Tonsley, a suburb south of Adelaide, has ignited a fierce local and global debate, blending environmental concerns with anti-Elon Musk sentiment. The grassroots campaign, dubbed “Trees Not Teslas,” led by activists using the pseudonyms Neon and Zane, aims to protect one of the area’s last green spaces, home to approximately 60 trees, from being cleared for the facility.
The campaign has gained traction due to widespread opposition, with 95% of over 900 public submissions to the Marion Council rejecting the proposal. Many submissions cited not only environmental concerns but also hostility toward Musk, with 229 mentions of “Nazi,” “Nazism,” or related terms, reflecting his polarizing global image. Critics pointed to Musk’s controversial actions, including a hand gesture at a Trump post-inauguration event in January 2025, which some likened to fascist symbolism. Musk dismissed these accusations on X, stating, “The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.”
Neon, a former Tonsley resident, emphasized the importance of preserving green spaces: “We’re struggling for designated green spaces … and it’s just an insult to try and take away the one bit that’s left within the Tonsley area.” Despite the opposition, the Marion Council voted 8-3 to advance the proposal to the South Australian state government, highlighting the potential for 100 new jobs and increased tax revenue during an economic downturn. Mayor Hanna defended the decision, noting the facility’s alignment with the area’s high-tech manufacturing hub, built on the site of a former car plant.
Councillor Sarah Luscombe, who opposed the plan, criticized the council for prioritizing corporate interests over the community’s desire for a sustainable, livable environment. “People are sick and tired of seeing their interests overshadowed by large corporations,” she said.
The controversy is further fueled by Musk’s global image, including his feud with President Donald Trump, which escalated after Musk resigned from his role as head of the US Department of Government Efficiency in May 2025. Disagreements over H-1B visas, tariffs, and Trump’s clean energy subsidy cuts strained their relationship, with Musk hinting at forming a new political party and making provocative claims about Trump’s ties to the Epstein files.
Tesla has also faced global backlash, with vandalism targeting its showrooms, including an April 22 incident in New York City where Extinction Rebellion activists spray-painted anti-DOGE messages. Despite these challenges, Mayor Hanna remained unfazed by potential backlash, stating, “I just try and make life beautiful for the people in my area.”
South Australian Local Government Minister Joe Szakacs said the land sale approval would follow standard procedures, emphasizing the state’s commitment to renewable energy by 2027. The proposal’s fate now lies with state authorities as community resistance persists, raising broader questions about balancing economic development, environmental preservation, and the influence of controversial figures like Musk.
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