We’ve been consulting with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC), the Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) for the Djab Wurrung country, which includes the project area, over several years.
Following extensive work with EMAC, who provided critical input to the updated project design, we have an approved Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP).
The improved design will deliver a safer, more efficient Western Highway while reducing the impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage and the environment.
A key change in the design includes shifting the new highway alignment slightly at Pope and Warrayatkin roads and closing Dobie Road at the Western Highway to avoid culturally and environmentally significant areas.
In every community there are a broad range of views. EMAC is the formally recognised Traditional Owner group that represents the Djab Wurrung people. We have, and continue to, respect their cultural authority to speak for Djab Wurrung country.
Read Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation media release here: https://easternmaar.com.au/mediarelease-emaccompleteschmpassessment/