More than 2,000 protesters filled the steps of South Australia’s Parliament House, condemning the removal of hundreds of trees at the North Adelaide Golf Course as part of a $45 million redevelopment in the Adelaide Park Lands. Their chant “stop the chop” echoed through the CBD as demonstrators held signs denouncing what they see as a government prioritising elite sport over community and environmental wellbeing.
Work began this week to clear around 600 trees from the area known as Possum Park, triggering widespread anger. Protester Sonia Blackwell said the Malinauskas government was putting the interests of “a few golfers” ahead of the city’s heritage and natural environment.
“We’re here today because we disagree with the government cutting down nearly 600 trees in our heritage park lands for a golf course,” she said.
Premier Peter Malinauskas announced the redevelopment last year, promoting it as a venue for future LIV Golf tournaments. But with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrawing its financial backing, doubts have grown about LIV’s long‑term viability. Even so, the state government has continued to defend the project, insisting wildlife impacts are being minimised and highlighting that the upgraded course is also slated to host future men’s and women’s Australian Open events.
For many protesters, those assurances fall flat. The clearing of trees some home to native wildlife has become a flashpoint in a broader debate about the future of Adelaide’s park lands, public space, and environmental stewardship.
As the government presses ahead, community anger shows no sign of fading.
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