MotoGP Adelaide: trees felled despite protesters
The newsroomUpdated on November 13, 20263 minAs Adelaide's 2027 MotoGP street circuit takes shape, the first Park Lands trees have fallen. Protesters climbed trees and police attended.
Key point
South Australia's government has earmarked 377 trees for the Adelaide MotoGP street circuit, and the first have come down this week.
Work on the future MotoGP street circuit in Adelaide has produced its first tense scenes. On Friday 13 November, protesters gathered before sunrise in the Park Lands, crossed fences and climbed trees to try to stop the felling, Speedcafe reports. Police attended the site, GPOne adds.
What happened on Friday
- Protesters positioned themselves on Bartels Road and Rundle Road.
- Chants such as "stop the chop" and "shame" rang out as workers arrived.
- Police spoke with them; Speedcafe mentions no arrests or fines.
The numbers behind the project
The South Australian government has earmarked 377 trees for removal for the layout, of which 42 are considered significant. This week, four trees have already been felled at Victoria Park and Rymill Park for preliminary water-supply work. The government describes them as unregulated invasive species, dead or in poor health.
A campaign and a rebuff
The "Lungs of the City" campaign was launched with an open letter to state premier Peter Malinauskas. Signatories include Paul Kelly, Sia and Dev Patel. On Thursday, Malinauskas dismissed the letter on ABC Radio: "I'm not concerned about it".
A tight schedule
MotoGP is due to make its Adelaide debut in 2027, with Supercars racing there two weeks later. The MotoGP organisers made no statement in the sources consulted.
Key points
- 377 trees earmarked, 42 judged significant
- Four trees already felled this week
- A government sticking to the project
Frequently asked questions
How many trees are due to be felled for MotoGP in Adelaide?
The government has earmarked 377, of which 42 are considered significant, according to Speedcafe.
Where did the protesters gather?
On Friday morning in the Park Lands, on Bartels Road and Rundle Road, where some climbed into trees.
What does the state premier say?
Peter Malinauskas dismissed the open letter from the Lungs of the City campaign, telling ABC Radio he is not concerned about it.
Sources
- Speedcafe — Anti-MotoGP protesters gather as trees fall in Adelaide park lands
- GPOne — MotoGP ad Adelaide: abbattuti i primi alberi, interviene la polizia
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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