The South Australian government has announced $8.3 million for a United Nations climate change conference which Australia might not even get.

Thursday’s state budget allocation is based on the premise that Adelaide is the red-hot frontrunner for the COP31 conference and needs to get serious on pre-planning for a massive security operation.

7NEWS exclusively revealed the massive spend.

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Treasurer Stephen Mullighan doesn’t underplay the scale of the operation should the state land the event, given Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has already stated SA is the chosen one if Australia is successful.

“This is a very, very complex task, perhaps akin to hosting the Olympic Games for a short period of time,” Mullighan said.

“It’s more than just booking hotel rooms and making certain that enough taxis and restaurants are available.

“Thirty thousand delegates will descend on Adelaide, if we’re successful, for two weeks of thrashing out climate change solutions in November next year.”

Among them will be many world leaders and their huge support teams.

King Charles attended the last event before his ascent to the throne in 2022.

The COP event is also renowned for climate protesters who voice their green support or vent their anger against fossil fuel conglomerates.

The massive budget expenditure is to cope with preparations involving local police chiefs, other emergency personnel, national back-ups and officials from the Premier’s and Prime Minister’s departments.

“This is to make sure that South Australian police understand the full requirement,” the Treasurer said.

“To make sure the community, as all the delegates, are kept safe.”

It will mean parts of the city are locked down as they were during past visits from former US first lady Hillary Clinton and ex-secretary of defense Donald Rumsfeld.

Two decades ago, cement and wire barriers used to keep V8 cars from flying off the track also lined North Terrace and King William Street to keep protesters separated from the VIPs.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens says the COP conference would be the largest security operation that Adelaide has ever witnessed.

But there is an economic upside with an estimated worth of $511.6 million.

The government sees the income generated from tourism, trade and investment as invaluable.

“South Australia already has an enviable record of hosting big events,” Premier Peter Malinauskas said.

“But COP31 presents an opportunity to firmly cement our state on the global stage, grow our economy and promote our already world leading position in the decarbonisation of industry and electricity.

“This event will be bigger than Gather Round, LIV Golf, the Festival and Fringe all together.

“To deliver it will take a monumental logistical and planning effort.

“We are already well advanced, but it is vital that we accelerate that effort and that is exactly what the state budget will do.”

Turkey is the only other contender, but political turmoil may rule it out. A decision is due within weeks.

Critics say it’s perverse that millions of dollars’ worth of fossil fuel are burnt to get delegates in their private jets to Adelaide for a climate change think tank.

That’s why opinion will continue to be divided.

If Australia is unsuccessful, the Treasurer will bank the unspent balance of the $8 million allocation.

Mike Smithson is weekend presenter and political analyst for 7NEWS Adelaide