Council was deeply disappointed to learn of today's announcement through the media.
From day one, when the Premier first announced he wanted to move LIV golf to the city, the Lord Mayor said Council would work hand in hand with the State Government to achieve a mutually beneficial arrangement.
After all, Council has managed and invested in the North Adelaide Golf Course for more than 100 years.
Since then, the Council has been negotiating in good faith with State Government, and we understood we had an agreement to move forward together.
It has always been our objective to reach a decision that not only suited the government but suited the community.
It is unacceptable for the Premier to leave Council out in the cold in the middle of such negotiations. I do not agree that our ongoing involvement would drag the process out to make the event unviable.
What is unviable is for the government to intervene by using legislation like a sledgehammer when we are in the middle of discussions.
Just last week, the Lord Mayor attended a briefing where the Premier updated North Adelaide Golf Course staff, who have been concerned about their futures.
The Premier made no mention of dissatisfaction with negotiations to date or of the process being dragged out by Council.
It is also incredibly disappointing this announcement was made while the Lord Mayor is overseas trying to help secure COP31 - the most important conference in our state's history.
A great deal of work and countless staff hours have gone into trying to assist the State Government with its plans.
Council remains committed to the North Adelaide Golf Course remaining publicly owned and operated.
Council will also fight to ensure there is a minimal loss of trees and that any fencing would be temporary and only relate to the staging of the tournament.
We will also expect extensive public consultation to be carried out by the State Government.
Like everyone, we will review the legislation in detail, but it is impossible to describe this as anything other than a Park Lands takeover.
Phil Martin
Acting Lord Mayor
