Arabic version: طعن قانوني يستهدف حلبة موتو جي بي المقترحة في أديلايد

According to ABC News, a Federal Court application lodged last month seeks a permanent injunction against proposed MotoGP street circuit works in Adelaide’s parklands, including any tree removal. Court documents released to the ABC show the challenge concerns whether the plans should have been referred to the Federal Minister for the Environment.

The applicant, Joshua Hogan, argued that carrying out the MotoGP development without that referral would breach federal conservation laws. The South Australian government has referred the circuit proposal to the National Environmental Protection Agency.

The legal arguments in the MotoGP case are similar to those dismissed by the Federal Court on Thursday in an unrelated challenge over the North Adelaide golf course redevelopment. Public servant Edwin Kemp Attrill and Kaurna Arabana woman Janette Miler had sought to stop tree felling connected with the golf course project, also arguing it would breach federal conservation laws.

Work at the golf course site resumed within hours of that decision, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said on Friday. He said contractors had returned to work and fencing had been installed around an area where trees were to be removed. Protesters also returned, with Mr Kemp Attrill saying they would continue their campaign to protect Adelaide’s parklands.

Protester Mij Tanith raised concerns about rough sleepers who had sheltered in the parklands. An SA government spokesperson said authorities, including a homelessness support service, had begun engagement with rough sleepers 10 days earlier and offered services, support and assistance. The spokesperson said arrangements were made for people to retrieve possessions after access restrictions changed.