Works on the North Adelaide Public Golf Course upgrade will continue following a Federal Court hearing, but the State Government will now be required to give 48 hours’ notice before removing any trees taller than 3.5 metres.
The ruling follows an interim injunction bid from opponents of the redevelopment, who sought to temporarily pause works at the Park Lands site.
According to a Channel 10 News report, public servant Edwin Kemp Attrill and Kaurna Elder Jeanette Milera brought the case amid ongoing concerns about the impact of the redevelopment, with the report stating around 400 trees have already been removed from the site. The report also said the court action revealed a further 185 trees were planned for removal.
“The Premier is not above the law,,” Edwin Kemp Attrill told Channel 10 News. “This is federal environment law, and we need to hold him accountable to that.”
The Federal Court did not grant the injunction to immediately stop works, meaning the project can continue. The current phase includes ground works such as shaping holes, laying irrigation and preparing the site for turf.
The State Government told the court no trees would be removed in the coming weeks, with earthworks and irrigation the next stage of the project. Channel 10 reported government lawyers argued pausing works would cost around $40,000 a day.
The State Government says the upgrade will turn the existing course into one of the world’s best public golf courses, within walking distance of the Adelaide CBD.
The upgraded course is also expected to be capable of hosting major tournaments including the men’s and women’s Australian Open, as well as LIV Golf Adelaide, delivering significant economic benefit to South Australia.
Minister for the City of Adelaide Lucy Hood welcomed the court decision.
“The State Government welcomes the decision of the Federal Court today, which means works at the North Adelaide Public Golf Course can continue as planned,” Minister Hood said.
“This is an exciting project for the state, which will significantly improve the existing public golf course at North Adelaide and improve the amenity of our Park Lands.
“It will also be capable of hosting major tournaments within walking distance of the CBD, delivering significant economic benefit to our state.”
