‘Trees Not Tesla’: Australian city’s protest ignites a war over environment- and Elon Musk

When two environmental activists began opposing Tesla’s proposed battery recycling facility in Tonsley, a suburb south of Adelaide, they expected Elon Musk’s controversial reputation might sway local opinion. What they did not anticipate was the level of anti-Musk sentiment expressed globally, particularly outside the United States.The activists, who use pseudonyms Neon and Zane to shield themselves from potential harassment by Musk’s supporters, founded a grassroots campaign called “Trees Not Teslas.” Their aim was to protect approximately 60 trees located in one of the few remaining green spaces in Tonsley, a site that Tesla has proposed for the facility, as reported by CNN.

“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,” said Neon, a former Tonsley resident who now works nearby.The local council’s community consultation revealed overwhelming public opposition to the plan, with 95 per cent of more than 900 submissions against it. Many responses cited hostility toward Musk himself, with a total of 229 mentions of the terms “Nazi,” “Nazism,” or related language recorded in the official consultation document.Musk’s high-profile persona, polarising commentary, and visible online presence have made him a lightning rod for critics of Trump-era policies, even abroad. As the current head of Tesla and former leader of the US Department of Government Efficiency, Musk remains a controversial figure globally.One particularly scathing public submission read: “You and I both know it’s getting torched every few months because of the Nazi implications. You really want that bought [sic] up every single meeting?”The backlash also references Musk’s widely criticised hand gesture during Trump’s January post-inauguration event, which some observers likened to fascist symbolism. In response to the allegations, Musk posted on X: “The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.”Despite the community opposition, the Marion Council has approved the proposal to advance to the state government for consideration. The plan’s future now rests with South Australian authorities, even as resistance within the community continues to grow. The council voted 8-3 in favour of the proposal, with the mayor Hanna highlighting the potential creation of 100 jobs and additional local tax revenue that would help residents during the economic downturn. The mayor emphasised these benefits as crucial factors in the decision.“To have a substantial new factory come into the area is very significant, and it’s adjacent to a high-tech manufacturing area, which we developed in the place of an old car plant. So, it actually fits in very well to have a factory that recycles electric batteries,” Hanna said.Councillor Sarah Luscombe, who opposed the proposal, expressed concerns about disregarding community wishes for increased greenery. She noted that the council’s strategic vision emphasises creating a “livable, sustainable community.”“The people that I’ve spoken to in the community are just sick and tired of seeing their interests overshadowed by those of large corporations,” Luscombe said. “More and more, we’re seeing communities just saying, ‘Well, hang on, I do want to have a say here, and I do want my views to be counted.'”Tesla has faced recent challenges globally, with vandalism targeting their showrooms and vehicles due to Musk’s support of far-right European parties and various policies. Members of Extinction Rebellion demonstrated their opposition by spray-painting anti-DOGE messages on a Tesla showroom in New York City on April 22.Despite receiving hostile correspondence following the approval, Mayor Hanna remained unconcerned about potential violent reactions. He maintained his neutral stance, stating, “I’m speaking as a mayor, and I don’t actually take any political or ideological stance. I just try and make life beautiful for the people in my area.”South Australian Local Government Minister Joe Szakacs indicated he would follow standard procedures regarding land sale approval. “Our Government welcomes investment and job creation in South Australia and is proud of its commitment to deliver 100 per cent net renewables by 2027,” he told CNN.Meanwhile in another development, Musk is currently ongoing feud with President Donald Trump, which has further amplified scrutiny.Their alliance was driven by shared disdain for “wokeism” and traditional institutions, and shaped by Musk’s admiration for hardline thinkers like Curtis Yarvin. For a while, it was mutual admiration- Trump praised SpaceX launches, Musk posted memes from the White House. But cracks began to show over issues like H-1B visas, tariffs, and above all, Trump’s sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which slashed clean energy subsidies vital to Musk’s businesses.By May 2025, Musk resigned from his government post. Then came the real rupture. Musk publicly opposed Trump’s policies, floated alternate presidential picks, and hinted at forming a new political party. Trump, from his side, threatened Musk’s government contracts, prompting Musk to escalate with wild insinuations- suggesting Trump’s name appeared in the Epstein files.