Adelaide’s iconic Park Lands face the most major incursion in their history. Following massive community backlash—including a 43,784-signature petition that triggered a parliamentary committee inquiry, and protests drawing up to 10,000 people—the State Government’s true plans for the proposed MotoGP circuit in Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi are coming to light.
Independent analysis by Ben Taylor reveals startling realities behind the government’s “final” design. Contrary to early claims of minimal impact, the redevelopment will permanently consume 38.38 acres of Park Lands. This includes a net loss of 28.30 acres of green space, the removal of nearly 400 trees, and the destruction of 27% of endangered remnant native grassland. As Taylor notes: “So picture about six MCGs, three covered in gravel 25cm deep and three covered in bitumen. That’s what’s being added to the Parklands.
The Malinauskas Labor Government’s hypocrisy is staggering. As Greens MLC Robert Simms highlighted in Parliament on September 2, 2026, Labor fiercely opposed Liberal Park Lands developments while in opposition, yet now embarks on their own destructive plans. After cutting 580 trees in North Adelaide, they are wielding chainsaws again in the East Parklands. Simms condemned this “rank hypocrisy,” the secretive “commercial-in-confidence” claims hiding nearly $100 million in public spending, and a woefully inadequate three-week consultation that refuses to ask if the event should happen here at all.
TAKE ACTION NOW
Who Can Take Action
Anyone from anywhere can take these actions. Whether you live in South Australia, reside elsewhere, and can contribute to our community in a meaningful way, your voice matters. Please take part and let others know too.
- Complete the Government Survey: https://dit.sa.gov.au/infrastructure/projects/circuit-redevelopment/design/share-feedback (use the upload feature to attach a custom document). Submissions close 11.59 pm, Sunday 20 September 2026.
- Need help? Use the Adelaide Park Lands Association’s (APLA) step-by-step guide: https://www.adelaide-parklands.asn.au/blog/2026/9/2/have-your-say-on-the-proposed-motogp-circuit
- Send a copy of your submission to the APLA: adelparklands@outlook.com
- City of Adelaide Feedback Survey is here: https://ouradelaide.sa.gov.au/adelaide-circuit-redevelopment
Contact the Premier directly:
- Email: premier@sa.gov.au
- Post: GPO Box 2343, Adelaide SA 5001
South Australians: Write to Your MP:
When writing to your local Member of Parliament, your letter must include your full name and residential address to verify you are a constituent. State clearly what you want (e.g., abandon the Park Lands circuit, demand an independent Environmental Impact Assessment, or reconsider alternative locations).
Join the Community: If you haven’t joined the Possum Park Protection Platoon already, please do. Lots of good information is shared on the Possum Park Protection Platoon Page Here.
South Australians are being asked to accept an unacceptable incursion during a climate emergency. A ‘nature positive’ package does not justify permanent destruction. If you know anyone who could write a feature article for international media exposing how a state government sold out to corporate interests, please get in touch.
Stay informed, stay vocal, take lots of deep breaths, and help protect Adelaide’s green heart.
Image: Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi taken by Naomi Ebert Smith