Western Highway
Victorian to modify alignment of Western Highway duplication project. Credit: Biatch.

The Victoria Government in Australia has announced plans to change the alignment of Western Highway duplication project between Buangor and Ararat.

The realignment includes approximately 1km of localised design changes.

Victoria’s latest decision follows a protest camp led by indigenous activists that challenged the government to change its proposed duplication of the highway past Buangor in order to save two sacred trees on the way to Ararat.

In a statement, Victoria Government said: “There has been comprehensive planning on this section of the Western Highway duplication, including an independent Environment Effects Statement process and Cultural Heritage Management Plan, which obtained approval in accordance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act.”

The government said that several environmental initiatives will also be implemented such as rescue of timber in the local community, the construction of animal crossings and retention of hollows.

“We understand how important these trees are to the Aboriginal community, which is why we’ve listened and made these changes to the Western Highway alignment to retain them.”

In collaboration with the project contractors, the costs of the realignment are still under consideration.

The A$672.3m ($488m) Western Highway duplication between Ballarat and Stawell is expected to significantly enhance safety for communities in Western Victoria.

Data revealed that there have been 92 accidents on the Western Highway, including 10 fatalities and 50 serious injuries over the last five years.

The Australian government has committed A$501.3m ($36.82m) while the Victorian government will contribute A$171m ($124.1m) to the Western Highway duplication.

The project will be executed by Major Road Projects Victoria.

Victoria Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said: “We understand how important these trees are to the Aboriginal community, which is why we’ve listened and made these changes to the Western Highway alignment to retain them.

“We’ve worked through this issue at every level and, with cultural and environmental sensitivities firmly in mind, work will now recommence on this long-awaited project.”