VicRoads project director Mick McCarthy said initial plans on the 12.5-kilometre section showed the duplication between Beaufort and Ararat would impact 110 hectares. This was reduced to 69 hectares, but subsequent revision for safety reasons meant that the project would now impact about 81 hectares.

“This is catered for in the Environment Effects Statement process, is a standard procedure and offsets have been allowed,” he said.

 “While safety considerations have increased the project’s impact, aspects of the Safe System have lead to significant environmental improvements, such as installation of wire rope barriers.”

Meanwhile, VicRoads has released an innovative new video (above) to show how the duplication will look.

Mr McCarthy said the video was produced to better communicate to locals the path the duplication will take.

“It was particularly important to us that the animation showed the vegetation earmarked for removal, given the concern in the community.  But while the video shows the maximum vegetation that may be removed, we will be working to reduce that impact,” he said.

“We had a great meeting with our Environmental Consultation Group last week and we are pleased to be able to continue to work with the members, who do not support the duplication alignment, but who are working with us to help us reduce the impact.”

A conflicting set of environmental reports have raised concerns over the Environmental Effects Statement used for the section, however, VicRoads and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning are satisfied with the ecological assessment of the approved alignment.