Arabic version: قواعد فعاليات الملعب البيضاوي تشعل خلافاً بين حكومة جنوب أستراليا والمجلس البلدي

According to ABC News, tensions have escalated between the South Australian government and Adelaide City Council over revised event arrangements for Adelaide Oval Number 2, known as the Village Green.

The council voted to permit events at the site for up to six days each year, excluding days when Adelaide Oval is in use. It also limited events to three consecutive days and retained a 15,000-person attendance cap, which may be reviewed following an application to council.

Premier Peter Malinauskas called the decision “complete madness”, saying the council retained authority to approve or reject events and arguing that the annual cap would restrict opportunities. He accused the council of stifling the city and said it should see the bigger picture.

Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith said the council had approved “everything” requested by the Stadium Management Authority. SMA chairperson Jamie Briggs said extra restrictions could make events harder to host, particularly because promoters may be deterred by the need for council approval for crowds above 15,000.

City councillor Phil Martin said approval requirements were intended to help manage roads, rubbish bins and toilets. He said the state government had not previously sought more than six event days, adding that the council supported events.