When friends Neon and Zane started a campaign to stop Tesla from building a battery recycling factory on a small block in their local area, they suspected that strong views about the company’s billionaire boss might help sway local opinion. But they had no idea how much, or how far, anti-Elon Musk sentiment had spread beyond the epicenter of his influence in the United States, where until recently he caused chaos in federal workplaces as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Neon and Zane, who asked to use aliases to avoid doxxing by Musk supporters, say the main aim of their campaign, “Trees Not Teslas,” was to preserve about 60 trees on the site, in Tonsley, an area south of Adelaide, Australia’s driest state capital. “We’re struggling for designated green spaces … and it’s just an insult to try and take away the one bit that’s left within the Tonsley area,” said Neon, who used to live near the site and still works in the vicinity. When the local council published the results of its community consultation on the proposal, which allows the land to be sold for redevelopment, it contained hundreds of inflammatory anti-Musk comments or outright slurs. A search showed 229 references to “Nazi,” “Nazism” or other, similar phrases, to give an indication of the tone. With his high profile, confrontational statements and postings on social media, Musk has become a lightning rod for people across America and around the world opposed to the policies of US President Donald Trump’s administration. The Tesla CEO is now engaged in a very public bust-up with Trump, that’s unfolding in real-time on rival social media platforms, watched by a global audience. Musk’s former close partnership with Trump took a toll on Tesla sales. Global deliveries plunged 13% in the first three months of this year, the largest drop in its history, as backlash against Musk and growing competition took a bite out of demand for its vehicles. Of the proposed factory in Tonsley, a suburb managed by the Marion Council, one comment from the public consultation said: “You and I both know it’s getting torched every few months because of the Nazi implications. You really want that bought (sic) up every single meeting?” Some respondents referred directly to the arm gesture Musk gave in January at Trump’s post-inauguration rally that commentators likened to a fascist salute. At the time, Musk wrote on his social media platform X: “The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.” But the memory appeared to stick with Tonsley residents and a staggering 95% of over 900 replies to the council survey rejected its plans to prepare the land for sale. However, Marion Council passed it anyway and sent it to the state government for approval. CNN has reached out to Tesla for comment. Save the trees It may seem unusual that residents in a small Australian city might have issues with Musk, given their distance from his policies and decisions. And it’s especially unusual given South Australia’s past positive experience with the billionaire entrepreneur. In 2017, Musk offered to build the world’s most powerful battery to solve some of the state’s power woes within 100 days, or it would be free. And he did. South Australia is now leading the country in terms of renewable energy and is on track to hit its target of 100% net renewables by 2027. Backed by the state government, Tesla and a local power company have created a virtual power plant fitting Powerwall battery systems on homes across the state. The idea is that all the batteries would band together to support the grid in times of high demand. However, the proposed Tesla plant in Marion would not generate any power – it would be used to recycle Tesla batteries and provide a showroom for Tesla’s electric vehicles (EV), sales of which have fallen in Australia. Figures from the Electric Vehicle Council show Tesla sales nationwide nearly halved in the year to May 2025. Felipe Munoz, senior analyst at auto market research firm JATO Dynamics, says that’s partly due to the wait for the Model Y. It finally arrived in Australia in May, sending Tesla sales soaring 122% last month compared with the same period a year ago. Marion Council Mayor Kris Hanna says anti-Musk sentiment had intruded on a standard council consultation, which was simply about finding a use for contaminated land “that will probably never be a recreational space again.” The site is contaminated by trichloroethylene, known as TCE, a solvent that can cause cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is banned in the United States. “The problem with that is, not only, for example, children playing in the dirt, but also the fumes which can rise up from underneath the earth. Sealing it with a bitumen car park or a building is a solution,” said Hanna. The site has been fenced off from the public since 2016. The locals say that, even if they can’t use it, the mature trees offer a refuge for birdlife in an area almost devoid of tree canopy. More importantly, according to the Conservation Council of South Australia, the mature trees are helping to contain the contamination. “The removal of trees puts that site at greater risk of the leakage of those contaminants into the groundwater and obviously then impacting on human health more broadly,” said Kirsty Bevan, the group’s CEO, who added Tesla’s promises to plant 59 saplings on the site weren’t good enough. “We are proposing that further research needs to be undertaken at that site, and remedial measures need to be put in place,” she said. “I think that the site improvements we’re looking for would come with a forest of trees.” Of the anti-Musk campaign, Bevan said: “I don’t let my personal opinions of people I’ve never met before interfere with being a voice for nature.” New plant, more jobs Hanna, the mayor, said councilors heard the opposition but voted 8-3 to pass the proposal because it would create 100 jobs, a “huge number” for the area. A new business would also pay local taxes, easing the burden on residents during a cost-of-living crisis, Hanna said. “To have a substantial new factory come into the area is very significant, and it’s adjacent to a high-tech manufacturing area, which we developed in the place of an old car plant. So, it actually fits in very well to have a factory that recycles electric batteries,” Hanna said. One of the dissenting councilors, Sarah Luscombe, said she voted against the proposal because the community had sent clear and consistent feedback that they wanted more trees, and the council’s own strategic vision is for a “livable, sustainable community.” “The people that I’ve spoken to in the community are just sick and tired of seeing their interests overshadowed by those of large corporations,” Luscombe said. “More and more, we’re seeing communities just saying, ‘Well, hang on, I do want to have a say here, and I do want my views to be counted.’” In recent months, Tesla cars and showrooms have been vandalized in multiple countries by critics venting their anger over Musk’s support of far-right parties in Europe, and other policies. Hanna said the council had received “vitriolic correspondence” since approving the proposal, but he wasn’t concerned about a violent backlash against the Tesla factory or council members and wouldn’t be drawn on his own views on Musk. “I’m speaking as a mayor, and I don’t actually take any political or ideological stance,” he said. “I just try and make life beautiful for the people in my area.” South Australian Local Government Minister Joe Szakacs told CNN in a statement that he will follow the “usual process” to determine if the land should be approved for sale. “Our Government welcomes investment and job creation in South Australia and is proud of its commitment to deliver 100 per cent net renewables by 2027,” he said. Any sale would require the land’s owner to submit a development application and decontaminate the site to the standards set by state authorities. South Australia’s Environment Protection Authority said it’s held preliminary talks with the council and the developer. Addressing legacy contamination is often complex, costly and time-consuming, it added. Neon and Zane organized a snap rally outside the Marion Council building on Wednesday calling for the state government to reject the re-zoning application. More than a dozen protesters held signs, including one that said, “Elon Musk can get [redacted].” They’re determined to keep Tesla out of their area and are unmoved by the promise of more jobs. “They’re going to be jobs on contaminated land in a company that’s contaminated by Elon Musk,” said Neon. “Ninety-nine out of the 117 pages in their report were negative comments about Elon and the proposal. How can you ignore that? And if you do, you’re not representing the people, you’re just being bought by business.”
How a campaign to save trees in a small Australian city turned into a tirade against Elon Musk
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Local Campaign Against Tesla's Factory Highlights Growing Opposition to Elon Musk"
CNN
5.8
TruthLens AI Summary
In a small suburb of Tonsley, Australia, a campaign initiated by local residents Neon and Zane, named "Trees Not Teslas," seeks to prevent Tesla from establishing a battery recycling factory on a site that is home to approximately 60 mature trees. The campaign is rooted in a desire to protect the remaining green space in an area that is struggling with environmental preservation. The local council's community consultation revealed a significant level of animosity towards Tesla's CEO Elon Musk, with many comments reflecting a broader anti-Musk sentiment that extends beyond Australia. Such sentiments were fueled by Musk's controversial associations and statements, particularly regarding his past interactions with former U.S. President Donald Trump, which have led to backlash against Tesla's brand in various markets. Despite the community's overwhelming rejection of the proposal, with 95% of over 900 responses opposing the factory, the Marion Council approved the land's sale for redevelopment, citing the potential for job creation as a key factor in their decision.
The council's decision has sparked further debate regarding the balance between economic development and environmental conservation. Marion Council Mayor Kris Hanna acknowledged the concerns raised by residents but emphasized the importance of the factory in creating 100 jobs and generating local tax revenue during a cost-of-living crisis. Critics, including local conservation groups, argue that the removal of trees poses a risk to the containment of site contamination, which is a significant concern due to the presence of hazardous materials. The ongoing tension reflects a growing trend where local communities are increasingly vocal about their opposition to corporate developments that they believe compromise their environmental and social values. As the campaign against Tesla continues, local activists remain determined to protect their green spaces, asserting that the community's voice should take precedence over corporate interests, especially in light of the overwhelming negative feedback regarding Musk's involvement in the proposed project.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights a grassroots campaign in Australia that aims to oppose the construction of a Tesla battery recycling factory, framing it within the context of broader anti-Elon Musk sentiment. The campaign, initiated by local activists Neon and Zane, is not only focused on preserving local green spaces but also taps into the contentious public perception of Musk, particularly in relation to his polarizing influence in the U.S. and beyond.
Community Sentiment Analysis
The campaign, titled "Trees Not Teslas," seeks to resonate with community values surrounding environmental preservation. The use of anti-Musk rhetoric in public consultations suggests that local sentiments against Musk have gained traction, making the campaign more than just about trees. This indicates that the activists are leveraging existing negative feelings towards Musk to galvanize support, showcasing how local issues can intersect with global narratives about influential figures.
Potential Bias and Hidden Agendas
There appears to be a deliberate effort to align the campaign with broader anti-Musk sentiments, which could distract from the primary objective of preserving local green spaces. The inflammatory language noted in the community consultation results raises questions about whether the focus has shifted from the environmental concerns to a more personal attack on Musk. This kind of framing can serve to unify a group against a common adversary but may also detract from the original cause.
Trustworthiness of the Information
While the article presents factual elements regarding the campaign and community responses, the heavy emphasis on Musk's negative reception introduces a level of bias. The manipulative aspect lies in the emotional charge of the language used, which may skew public perception. The article could be seen as creating a narrative that equates environmental issues with personal grievances against a controversial figure, potentially reducing the credibility of the environmental argument.
Impact on Broader Dynamics
The portrayal of Musk in this context may have ripple effects on Tesla's market presence and influence in Australia, especially as public sentiment can affect brand loyalty and consumer behavior. Given Tesla's recent struggles in sales, any negative publicity could further exacerbate challenges for the company in maintaining its market position. The article also reflects larger societal divisions, which could influence political and economic climates, especially as environmental issues become increasingly politicized.
Target Audience Engagement
The news seems to resonate with communities that are environmentally conscious and politically engaged, particularly those already skeptical of Musk's actions and corporate influence. By framing the narrative around environmental conservation and social justice, the article appeals to activist groups and individuals who prioritize sustainability.
Market Implications
The article could impact investor sentiment towards Tesla, especially among those who are sensitive to social and environmental governance (ESG) considerations. Negative press and public backlash can lead to a decrease in stock prices and investor confidence, which is particularly relevant for companies like Tesla that are closely watched by the market for their sustainability initiatives.
Geopolitical Context
While the article primarily focuses on local issues, it indirectly connects to global discussions about corporate ethics and environmental responsibility, which are increasingly relevant in today's socio-political landscape. The ongoing tensions surrounding Musk's public persona and business practices may reflect larger themes of corporate accountability and consumer activism.
Use of AI in the Writing Process
There is a possibility that AI tools were utilized in drafting this article, especially in structuring the narrative and analyzing public sentiment. AI could have helped in identifying keywords and sentiments surrounding Musk, further influencing the article's tone and direction. If AI played a role, it might have aimed to amplify the emotional engagement of readers through strategic language choices.
The article's overall tone and intent suggest a blend of activism and critique, which can be seen as manipulative in its approach to galvanize public opinion. This manipulation may stem from the use of charged language and a focus on personal grievances rather than solely environmental concerns.
In conclusion, while the article raises valid points regarding local environmental issues, its framing within the anti-Musk sentiment and the use of inflammatory language could undermine its credibility. The potential for bias and manipulation exists, particularly in how the narrative is constructed to appeal to specific community sentiments.