An experienced and independent heritage advisor, along with representatives from the Djab Wurrung group, will be present during these investigative works. 

The Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the project has been approved by the registered Aboriginal party Martang Pty Ltd who along with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation represent the interests of the Djab Wurrung. 

This follows protests beginning in June at the site of the trees between Ararat and Buangor. 

The trees have been the subject to claims of official Aboriginal cultural significance.

Western Highway duplication project director Nigel Powers said the further investigations would help everyone get a better understanding of the trees and their history. 

“A small excavator will be used to break ground around the two trees in question to search for Aboriginal cultural artefacts,” he said.  

“If artefacts or items of Aboriginal heritage are found, they will be assessed and looked after in accordance with the approved Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the project.

“We are grateful to the traditional owners who have participated in protecting cultural heritage over the past five years of planning.” 

The two trees were originally assessed in 2017 but given recent concerns raised by representatives from the Djab Wurrung, the Major Road Projects Authority have committed to these further investigations. 

Across the past five years there have been 72 crashes on the Western Highway between Ballarat and Stawell, including five fatalities and 32 serious injuries.

The federal government has committed $501.3 million and the state government $171 million to the highway duplication between Ballarat and Stawell.