South Australia’s Premier, Peter Malinauskas, has expressed his frustration over what he described as the “obscene” selection process for the COP31 host city, following the announcement that neither Australia nor Adelaide will be hosting the significant climate conference.

The federal government has confirmed that the main event will take place in Antalya, Turkey.

Despite this, Australia’s Climate Change Minister, Chris Bowen, has been appointed as the conference president.

“While it would be ideal for Australia to host the entire event, it’s just not feasible,” Bowen commented.

In line with commitments to include Pacific Island nations in climate dialogues, a pre-COP meeting is scheduled to be held in the Pacific region.

“We’re very pleased with the outcome,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

The state government, though, has been left disappointed by the outcome.

“We won at our task, the federal government didn’t achieve its objective, and that’s the way it works,” Malinauskas said.

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young was blunter, saying “the prime minister has let down the country. He has let down South Australians”.

The failed bid has financial implications for South Australia, with almost $4 million already expended on preparations.

“Lots of those costs will be reallocated to other means where we can achieve that,” said Malinauskas.

The premier is adamant Adelaide should get another chance to host COP, but United Nations processes mean that opportunity won’t come around again until 2031.