Federal Court Hearings Challenge South Australia's North Adelaide Golf Course Redevelopment

In a Federal Court challenge, Edwin Kemp Attrill, a public servant, and Janette Milera, a Kaurna Arabana woman, argue that South Australia’s redevelopment of the North Adelaide golf course breaches federal conservation laws and endangers the Adelaide parklands’ national heritage listing. The project, promoted by Premier Peter Malinauskas to attract the LIV Golf tournament, proposes cutting 585 trees, with more than 400 already felled, representing roughly 15 % of the trees slated for the first phase.

Their counsel, Arturo Dal Cin, emphasized the significance of mature trees to the parklands’ heritage values and warned of impacts on Aboriginal cultural sites and local flying-fox populations. Government lawyers have warned the plaintiffs they could face $4 million in costs if they lose, describing the lawsuit as an “assault on democracy.” The trial is set to last five days, with the state’s response due on Wednesday. Outside the courtroom, protesters gathered, and both claimants expressed determination to protect the parklands for the community.