Section 2b at Buangor and Ararat has been stalled since it was revealed in November last year planning permits had expired.

VicRoads has reapplied for its incorporated document, which outlines the project, to be reapproved.

Council’s decision was passed with five conditions, including continued community engagement and consultation on the project’s environmental impact.

A staff report said the project’s opponents raised objections on environment and cultural grounds.

“Ararat Rural City has previously supported the duplication and the planning approval process followed,” the report said.

“However it has also acknowledged the importance of environmental impact, community consultation and responsibility for compliance and these issues should be addressed by the planning minister.”

Aboriginal women have claimed culturally significant birthing trees will be cut down under current plans.

Djab Wurrung elder Sandra Onus said there were birthing trees on the highway’s route.

“It is outrageous and unnecessary, they are trees of special significance,” she said.

A Supreme Court case seeking to halt construction on its current alignment is also on hold.

The plantiffs claim VicRoads could build a cheaper road in less time on an alignment that follows the present highway.

Lawyer for the plantiffs Michael Kennedy said he would be asking Ararat Rural City Council to reconsider its request to Planning Minister Richard Wynne.

“We want them simply to add an additional condition, that we recommend to Mr Wynne he take account of the new information,” he said.

Mr Kennedy said his clients wanted the minister to appoint an independent panel of experts to make a decision on the best route.

“If they did that we would not be opposing anything when a final decision is made,” he said.