Today we're looking at a highway duplication between Beaufort and Ararat. Vic Roads completed an environmental effects statement that said they would cut down 221 large old trees in this project. Later the estimate went up to 1635 of these valuable trees. Vic Roads argues that this is for safety, but campaign group Western Highway Alternative Mindsets says that both the construction and the destruction are excessive.

But this isn't just about 1600 trees. The duplication works are happening between Melbourne and Adelaide. This discrepancy shines a light on the lack of enforceable environmental regulation for these sorts of projects.

Guests:

Helen Lewers from Western Highway Alternative Mindsets

Greg Moore senior research associate at the University of Melbourne specialising in trees

Mick McCarthy Acting Executive Director of Regional Operations for Vic Roads