Adelaide Parklands Face Axe: Over 1,000 Trees Slated for Removal

The Malinauskas government's ambitious plans for Adelaide's parklands have ignited fierce opposition, with critics drawing parallels to the colonial era's widespread clearing of these vital green spaces. The proposed removal of over 1,000 trees for projects like the North Adelaide golf course redevelopment, the new Women's and Children's Hospital, and the MotoGP circuit represents a stark departure from past conservation efforts.

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More parklands trees face the chop under South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas's leadership than have been cut down since settlers first cleared the area in the 1840s, critics say.

The Adelaide Park Lands Association (APLA) has been vocal in its condemnation, with communications director Shane Sody stating that the scale of tree removal has not been seen since the 1840s. This historical context is crucial; settlers then cleared the land almost entirely, a stark contrast to the careful planning seen even in the 1980s when the Formula One Grand Prix circuit was designed without felling a single tree.

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If the government goes ahead with the redevelopment of the North Adelaide golf course, the premier says it will require the removal of 585 trees.

Historians point to a shift in policy in the 1960s, prioritizing indigenous trees and recognizing the importance of biodiversity for attracting native birds. The past humiliation of installing artificial bird sounds underscores the value placed on natural ecosystems. The current government's actions, particularly the push for the golf course redevelopment linked to hosting the Australian Open, appear to disregard these lessons, prioritizing sporting events and development over the preservation of Adelaide's unique parklands heritage.

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This is in addition to about 400 to be removed for the new Women's and Children's hospital (according to the Adelaide Park Lands Association (APLA), at least 45 for the MotoGP street circuit redevelopment, and about a dozen that were removed for the relocated Adelaide Aquatic Centre.

From our perspective at ABC Australia, this issue cuts to the heart of Adelaide's identity. Our parklands are not just recreational spaces; they are a living legacy. While economic development and major events are important, the irreversible loss of mature trees and established ecosystems raises serious questions about the long-term vision for our city. The comparison to the colonial era is not hyperbole; it's a warning about the potential for short-sighted decisions to inflict lasting damage on our environment.

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The last time this many trees were removed from the area was in the 1840s, when the parklands were cleared almost entirely by settlers.