Yesterday, on the same day that the Victorian Government announced the easing of COVID-19 restrictions across the state, VicRoads cut down the sacred ‘Directions Tree’ on Djab Wurrung country. The ancient tree was one of several culturally significant trees that have been at the centre of protest against a $157 million highway upgrade into Ararat to the north-west of Melbourne.
The loss of the tree has been compared to Rio Tinto’s destruction of the Juukan Gorge rock shelters in Western Australia.
Traditional custodians and supporters have been waging a protest to protect the sacred trees at the Djab Wurrung Embassy since 2018. Many protesters have been unable to travel to the site due to the COVID-19 lockdown measures imposed on Melbourne.
Several other sacred trees on Djab Wurrung country continue to remain under threat from being felled due to the roads project.
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