Adelaide asks ‘where is Lucy Hood’ as work nears on the construction of new LIV Golf course

Angst is growing at Adelaide Labor MP Lucy Hood, who supported protecting the parklands but has remained tight-lipped over concerns about swallowing some up for a new golf course.

Disquet is growing over Adelaide Labor MP Lucy Hood’s parklands stance as works on a multimillion-dollar golf course loom, and with a state election around the corner.

“Where is Lucy Hood?” read the signs of ralliers on the steps of Parliament House on Sunday, speaking out against the North Adelaide LIV Golf course development and the second Walker Corporation tower.

Protesters opposed the uprooting of potentially hundreds of trees in the Adelaide parklands for the proposed new 18-hole championship course, driving range and clubhouse, which would affect Park 1 Possum Park and Park 27A John Brown Park.

Member for Adelaide Lucy Hood has been criticised for her quiet attitude to major developments in her seat. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Independent candidate for the seat of Adelaide Keiran Snape has asked “where is Lucy Hood”. Picture: Supplied

Ms Hood has in the past been a keen supporter for the Adelaide parklands, advocating for greater accessibility and protection of the green space surrounding Adelaide.

However, she was called out last year by the Adelaide Park Lands Association for a misleading pamphlet that highlighted major developments on the Park Lands, and their impacts.

Adelaide Park Lands Association president Sarah Russo said there had been “good dialogue” between the Greens’ Tammy Franks and Robert Simms, and Liberal candidate for Adelaide Julian Amato regarding LIV Golf developments, “but not so much Lucy lately”.

Ms Hood didn’t respond directly to the “where is Lucy Hood” rhetoric and her critics’ questions, but instead said she had been supportive of the state government’s plans.

“I support the Malinauskas government’s major investment in our parklands that will take a public golf course and create a world-class public golf course that will benefit our city, not just during events but throughout the year, for decades to come,” Ms Hood said.

“Just like with our brand-new Adelaide Aquatic Centre, we are delivering a world-class facility that will encourage more people to use and love our Park Lands.

“Our investment in major events and festivals, from the arts to sport, is showing the rest of the nation that Adelaide is the place to be.”

Independent candidate for Adelaide Keiran Snape, who will run against Ms Hood in the 2026 state election, said he had “a lot of respect” for the sitting MP, but it had been “like a ghost town” in the seat of Adelaide recently.

“I’ve been out in the community and I’ve been out in the community for a while, she has disappeared for the last 12 months, but even more so in the last couple of months since the government nears its LIV Golf decisions,” Mr Snape said.

Piltawodli memorial in the North Adelaide Par 3 Golf Course which may be affected by the LIV Golf development. Photo: Naomi Jellicoe

“A number of people are really upset with the direction of Lucy and the state government.

“I certainly acknowledge the Premier (Peter Malinauskas) is popular, but within the seat of Adelaide there is a lot of discontent around the parklands and development.”

Political commentator Emeritus Professor Clement Macintyre said he had “no doubt” the issue of parts of the Adelaide parklands going towards a golf course redevelopment would be significant through the state election campaign.

But he said it’s “not a given” it would put Ms Hood in jeopardy of losing her seat.

“It’s too early to tell if that (Ms Hood’s stance) will be a critical issue; an issue that costs a seat,” he said.

“The government has made it clear that it wants to pursue the LIV development in North Adelaide and there’s no denying that will alienate voters in the seat of Adelaide.

“It’s a seat that’s going to be fascinating to watch.”