by Loine Sweeney
We’re calling for an immediate halt to planning and preparatory work for a damaging golf course “re-development” on your Adelaide Park Lands, with ongoing uncertainty about the future of LIV Golf.
Negotiations with the Grange Golf Club over hosting LIV Golf in 2027 have stalled.
The Grange Golf Club has told its members that not enough money is on the table to extend its contract for the event past 2026. This leaves the event without a home after 2026, pending State Government plans for massive construction and tree loss on your Park Lands over the following years.
APA President Sarah Russo says that with uncertainty continuing to hang over LIV Golf, it is not the time to proceed with any potential damage to your Park Lands.
“Even with their legislative seizure of Possum Park and the adjacent John Brown Park, the State Government has had to admit they can’t deliver this as a venue for LIV Golf before 2028,” Ms Russo said.
Legislation hastily passed in June 2025 assigns ownership of all of the marked land - about 86 hectares - to “the Minister”. It covers not only the 71 hectares of Possum Park / Pirltawardli (Park 1) - home to more than 100 species - but ALSO John E. Brown Park (Park 27A) approximately 15 hectares west of the railway line. What’s more, the legislation allows the Minister to take even more land, anywhere else, if wanted for ”the project”.
“So with 2027 now ‘up in the air’, any further planning on the Park Lands is not only premature and risky, it can’t be justified” Ms Russo said.
Treasurer Stephen Mullighan has pointedly referred to “other beautiful courses that we’ve got proximate to the CBD as possible options” for 2027.
APA President, Sarah Russo (left) and Campaign chair, Mat Monti
APA’s Campaign Chair, Mat Monti says “this just goes to show that they don’t need to dig up your precious Adelaide Park Lands and destroy the trees and sensitive ecosystems to stage such an exclusive golf juggernaut.”
Your Adelaide Park Lands are globally unique; as Adelaide is the world’s only city inside a Park.
In addition, Possum Park / Pirltawardli (Park 1 of your Adelaide Park Lands) is of major significance to, and sensitivity for, Kaurna traditional owners.
“It’s almost sacred to us; it’s our church, our temple” https://www.facebook.com/AdelaideParkLandsAssn/videos/754891507520724
Mat Monti said that without certainty that The Grange is available, or that any other Adelaide course is suitable and willing, the entire local future of LIV Golf is in question.
“Spending public money or advancing plans to use your Park Lands under these conditions would be irresponsible,” they said.
“It’s disappointing that the State Government has continued to trip over itself to accommodate LIV Golf and now, with the future of the competition in Adelaide unclear, it feels even more ridiculous to sacrifice Park Lands for a purpose shrouded in uncertainty.”
APA has consistently opposed the commercial occupation of your Adelaide Park Lands; emphasising that Park Lands should be Open, Green, and Public.
“The Park Lands are a public asset, not a contingency plan for corporate events facing uncertain futures,” Ms Russo said.
“A pause now would save money, protect public space, and allow for proper public consultation before any further commitments are made.”
Banner images at top: Yuri Poetzel
