Protester Arrested as Clashes Resume Over Western Highway Tree Removal

Demonstrations have flared up again in western Victoria over the removal of culturally significant trees for the Western Highway duplication project, resulting in the arrest of one protester. Victoria Police attended the site near Buangor on Tuesday alongside specialized units, including the public order response team and search and rescue officers, to disperse demonstrators and clear the area for construction.

Authorities reported that one man was taken into custody after refusing to clear a restricted access area. He was subsequently released pending summons. Police described the overall gathering as mostly peaceful as officers engaged with attendees to facilitate tree removal operations.

Dispute Over Cultural Heritage Approvals

The long-contested infrastructure initiative involves duplicating a 12-kilometer section of the Western Highway between Buangor and Ararat. The project area contains birthing trees sacred to the Djab Wurrung people, leading to ongoing protest encampments and delays since 2018. Construction was previously paused in 2020 to accommodate consultations and potential redesigns aimed at minimizing impacts on heritage sites.

In March, the formally recognized Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation approved the cultural heritage management plan for the upgrade. The corporation stated that the agreement ensures protection for all trees legally defined as culturally significant under the Aboriginal Heritage Act, as well as any trees older than 200 years that have raised community concern.

However, grassroots protesters present at the site reject the agreement. Djab Wurrung and Gunditjmara woman Yaraan Couzens-Bundle stated that approximately 20 demonstrators gathered on Tuesday who do not endorse the management plan. She expressed concerns regarding the removal of any culturally significant trees and the potential relocation of rock formations, arguing that authorities should focus on maintaining and upgrading the existing road rather than widening it.

Government Affirms Approvals for Safety Upgrade

A spokesperson for the Victorian government confirmed that all required legal and regulatory approvals have been secured for construction to move forward on the highway project.

Serving as a vital transport corridor between Melbourne and Adelaide, the Western Highway has been the site of numerous fatal crashes in recent years. State officials maintain that the planned duplication is critical to enhancing overall traffic efficiency and road safety along the route.