We have commenced preparation of a new Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the remainder of works on the Western Highway Upgrade, between Buangor and Ararat, working closely with the Traditional Owner group who have decision-making responsibilities for matters of cultural heritage protection in respect of the project area.
Construction will not take place on the project until a new Cultural Heritage Management Plan has been prepared and approved.
However, crews will continue to undertake environmental management activities and maintain the safety and security of the project site.
We are hopeful that this will provide a path for cultural heritage management for the project to be resolved respectfully and with certainty.
In the 10 years to June 2024, there have been 174 crashes on the Western Highway, between Ballarat and Stawell, including 15 fatalities and 104 people seriously injured, which is why it is vital for the safety of the community that this road is upgraded. About 8000 vehicles travel the Western Highway west of Beaufort each day, including 2400 trucks.