Adelaide to Lose Nearly 400 Trees as Government Unveils $96m MotoGP Street Circuit Plan

South Australia’s eastern parklands are set for a major transformation, with the state government confirming that nearly 400 trees will be removed to make way for a new $96 million MotoGP street circuit scheduled to debut in November 2027.

Premier Peter Malinauskas revealed the design of the 4.13‑kilometre circuit, which will also host the Tour Down Under from January 2028. The redesign requires the felling of 42 significant trees and 335 regulated, unregulated, invasive, dead or poor‑health trees. Another 88 trees will be relocated, while 22 remain under investigation 15 of them classified as significant.

Malinauskas said the government would replace trees on a 10‑to‑1 basis, meaning 3,770 new trees will be planted across the parklands. He also confirmed the project will use a temporary pit building, noting earlier “conjecture” about constructing a permanent facility.

The announcement follows months of public concern, including a petition with more than 43,000 signatures opposing tree loss. “I don’t think this will stop the protests,” the premier said. “People are entitled to protest… but this makes it clear the government is committed to investing in our parklands.”

Most of the tree removals will occur between Wakefield and Bartels Road, with public consultation opening Monday and running until 20 September. Malinauskas said the government is “genuinely interested” in community feedback.

The new circuit will feature 15 turns, a 900‑metre straight along Dequetteville Terrace, and projected top speeds of 343 km/h for MotoGP and 265 km/h for Supercars. The government estimates the project will deliver a $200 million annual economic benefit once operational.