It follows a number of environmental issues that have developed along the development of the Western Highway, including the removal of ancient trees. 

There is currently no funding for the detailed design or construction for the Beaufort bypass. 

VicRoads regional director Ewen Nevett said the project was currently in the early stages of investigating route options for a bypass. 

“In mid-2015, the Minister for Planning determined that an EES was required,” he said.  

“The EES process will give us a detailed assessment of the potential environmental impacts of a bypass. 

“It will also allow the state government and local government to understand and assess bypass routes for their potential impact or determine whether modifications or further investigations are needed.” 

Mr Nevett said a reference group made up of of key government agencies has been established to set out the range of potential issues to be investigated in the EES. 

“This is likely to include investigations around potential environmental, cultural heritage, social, economic, land use planning, agricultural, hydrology, traffic volumes and safety impacts,” he said. 

“Visual effects on the current landscape will also be considered.”

It is expected that no future decisions will be made on the Beaufort bypass until the EES process is complete. 

Western Highway Alternative Mindset Group.spokesperson Helen Lewers  said VicRoads had not taken the best approach so far in dealing with environmental issues. 

“It just does seem to be that VicRoads will go through all places where there is precious vegetation, it seems to be their route of choice,” she said.  

“They seem to do it because it is easier. 

“They are hoping people won't make too much fuss.” 

Ms Lewers said she would expect WHAM to make a submission to the EES about concerns that they had. 

She also said there were a number of sensitive natural elements around Beaufort that would need to be considered. 

The duplication process of the highway is considered a long but  important project for the region with the hope it will eventually be completed all the way to Stawell. 

For more information about the EES process visit www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/planning/environmental-assessment/what-is-the-ees-process-in-victoria.