It has emerged that 885 large old and scattered trees will be lost during the project, far greater than 470 as VicRoads estimated in a 2012 Environment Effects Statement.

Almost 1300 votes were cast in an Ararat Advertiser poll which asked respondents whether work on the massive infrastructure project should come to a halt because of the bungle.

Just shy of 60 per cent of the vote (756) indicated that the project shouldn’t be stopped, because the issue was ‘not that big a deal’.

At least 40 per cent (527) believe the project should be stopped and another Environment Effects Statement conducted. 

The poll is by no means scientific, however it gives an indication of the deep feeling and views of those who participated.

VicRoads says it is continuing to investigate how the discrepancy occurred and has contacted affected landowners and stakeholders to assure them that it does not mean the project is on hold.