00:02Crowds of people showing their concern for trees in Adelaide's parklands.
00:09If there's one touchstone for voters in Adelaide, it's the parklands.
00:14Jane Lomax-Smith, Lord Mayor and a former Labor member for Adelaide knows that better than most.
00:20It was 2006 when the RAND Government proposed a new permanent grandstand in Victoria Park,
00:26something she ultimately went against Cabinet to oppose.
00:29I'm not interested in anything but what I believe in.
00:33I believe in preserving heritage, I believe in preserving the parklands.
00:37It doesn't matter which position I'm in, I don't change that.
00:40Nearly 20 years later there's still a battle over sports in the parklands
00:44with the State Government moving Live Golf to a redeveloped North Adelaide golf course
00:48and bringing the MotoGP to city streets from 2027,
00:53which together the Government says will result in the removal of over 600 parkland trees.
00:58Ahead of the election, some voters have told the ABC's Your Say this is a key issue.
01:04Jay says they're alarmed at the careless disregard for the parklands,
01:08while Adelaide constituent Chris is concerned about a focus on sporting events
01:13at the detriment to the environment.
01:15Madeline says Labor's tree axing plans means she'll be voting green.
01:20And Dawn says she's very concerned about the ongoing removal of trees for economic gain.
01:25Professor McIntyre says there's no question Labor will win the election,
01:29so the party must be confident riding out the local storm is worth it.
01:34That may, as I say, cost a few votes in Adelaide,
01:37but I'm sure the Government's calculations are that there'll be a greater return of votes in other seats.
01:43Incumbent MP and Environment Minister Lucy Hood says the Government is investing in the parklands.
01:49Our legislation ensures that for every tree removed that we'll be planting three new trees.
01:55A promise which won't appease everyone.
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