The Victorian State Government say they have waited long enough to complete the Western Highway upgrade, west of Ballarat. They say the court cases are over, too much money has been spent and ‘it’s time to get on with this urgently needed safety upgrade,’ over the objections of a group of Djab Wurrung people who have been occupying the site for 26 months now.

Huge old trees are already coming down, and the works are advancing further towards several trees that are considered sacred. Security guards and police have fenced the trees off, and two protesters are in the trees. There will be more confrontations: 60 people have already been arrested. Desperate rearguard court actions are underway.