Statement by North Adelaide Golf Club re: Federal Court decision 1 October 2026.

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The Federal Court of Australia has dismissed an application to halt works on the North Adelaide Golf Course Redevelopment.

The action, lodged in June this year, claimed the project breached National Heritage Values outlined in federal legislation.

Judge Natalie Charlesworth gave a summary of her decision and reasons earlier today.

Listing each value and the applicants' evidence to support their claim of a significant impact on those values, the judge ruled that the evidence heard by the court was insufficient to support their case.

The values included matters relating to the course expansion, new clubhouse and driving range, possum activity and foraging resources for bats.

The court will accept applications from the respondent (the State Government) for payment of their costs by the applicant.

Outside the court, NAGC President, Kevin Naughton told media that the decision was a relief for those closely involved with the project and called on protestors and opponents of the project to pull back on harassment of players, staff, contractors and experts assisting the ecology plan for the precinct.

"We accept the right to protest or oppose, but this has become far too intense."

The club congratulated the State Government staff who continue to work on the detailed design, cost and implementation of stages two and three of the project.

"We look forward to further government announcements,” Mr. Naughton said.

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A summary and full version of the Federal Court decision can be downloaded here: 

SUMMARY Kemp Attrill v State of South Australia [2026] FCA 1431

FULL DECISION Kemp Attrill v State of South Australia [2026] FCA 1431