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In the southern suburb of Tonsley near Adelaide, Australia, residents have launched a campaign against Tesla's plan to build a battery recycling factory. The campaign, known as "Trees Not Teslas," was started by two locals, Neon and Zane. Their goal is to save 60 trees on a small block of land in the area. These green spaces, they argue, are crucial for a region struggling with a lack of designated park areas.

The local council's public consultation on the project's proposal highlights the extent of the opposition. The consultation received over 900 replies, with 95% rejecting the development plan. A significant number of comments were anti-Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, featuring hundreds of references to terms associated with Nazi imagery. Neon and Zane believe this strong local sentiment was influenced by Musk's controversial behavior and public statements, which have made him a polarizing figure worldwide.

Despite the overwhelming public disapproval, the Marion Council approved the proposal with an 8-3 vote and forwarded it to the state government. Mayor Kris Hanna defended the decision, citing the creation of 100 jobs and additional local tax revenue as substantial benefits. However, he noted that much of the resistance was driven by personal sentiments against Musk.

The site for the proposed factory has been fenced off since 2016 due to contamination by trichloroethylene (TCE), a dangerous solvent linked to cancer and banned in the United States. Critics argue that the removal of the mature trees could worsen the contamination. The Conservation Council of South Australia and its CEO, Kirsty Bevan, insist on more research and remedial measures to manage the site properly.

Counter to this, Hanna stated that sealing the land with a car park or building could mitigate the contamination risks. However, dissenters, including Councilor Sarah Luscombe, remain firm that the community's clear preference for more green spaces should prevail over corporate interests.

The campaign against the factory has attracted global attention, highlighting ongoing tensions between local community desires and corporate expansion plans. With Tesla's sales falling in Australia, critics argue that the proposed factory should not override the environmental and social values of the Tonsley residents.