First trees felled in Adelaide parklands for MotoGP circuit
Quick Look
Protesters gathered in Adelaide's parklands as workers felled the first trees for the $96 million MotoGP track project, which will remove nearly 400 trees including 42 significant trees between Wakefield Road and Rundle Road.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The 4.13-kilometre MotoGP circuit was proposed to be laid in Victoria Park and cut through the parklands between Wakefield Road and Rundle Road. The $96 million project was set to remove nearly 400 trees, including 42 significant trees, with the SA government previously pledging to replace them with mature stock on a 10 to one basis.
Protesters have gathered in the Adelaide parklands as the first trees slated for removal to make way for the MotoGP track have been felled.
891 ABC Adelaide reporter Troy Sincock is on the corner of East Terrace and Bartels Road and said a large group of protesters have gathered since early this morning behind temporary fencing.
"In the background, the sound of chainsaws in Rymill Park, I then saw workers in high-vis loading large tree bowels into a mulcher," he said.
He said he saw two protesters sitting in a tree, who police were speaking to.
"The sound of chainsaw and further mulching was then later heard on Rundle Road but police have been speaking to the protesters in the trees, they remain there seemingly undeterred," he said.
"People have been yelling 'Stop the Chop,' and cars are beeping their horns as they pass in support."
The 4.13-kilometre circuit was proposed to be laid in Victoria Park and cut through the parklands between Wakefield Road and Rundle Road.
The $96 million project was set to remove nearly 400 trees, including 42 significant trees, with the SA government previously pledging to replace them with mature stock on a 10 to one basis.
The SA government said four trees would be removed today for preliminary water works.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Further tree removals will occur as the MotoGP track project proceeds.
Very likely · Within days
Protests will continue as more trees are felled.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- How many trees have been removed in total so far?
- When will construction of the MotoGP track begin?
- What is the timeline for replacing the removed trees?
