UPDATE, 6.44pm:
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Major Road Projects Victoria has welcomed the news from the Environment Minister's office after it received notification on Friday from the Department of the Environment and Energy that no protection declaration would be made on Djab Wurrung Country.
"We're pleased that a decision has been reached and we'll be looking to recommence work as soon as possible," Director Development and Performance Andrew Williams said.
Works were suspended in August at the request of the Federal Department of Environment and Energy in order to undertake an assessment of the area's cultural heritage.
More detail as to the reasoning behind the decision is expected from the Federal Government in the coming weeks.
EALIER:
The federal government knocked back the latest push from activists to stop the Western Highway duplication on Friday.
Jidah Clark, a legal representative for activists against the highway duplication, said federal environment minister Sussan Ley made a decision not to protect the land earmarked for the works.
"We were let know today (Friday) the government won't protect the area or sacred trees in that area under federal legislation," Mr Clark said.
"We are trying to digest the reasons for the decision and will assess how things go from here.
"There could be potential action to look for an administrative review of reasons behind her decision with maybe another court action."
Major Roads Projects Victoria confirmed the minister's decision.
Mr Clark said he is of the understanding potential works will not begin until at after July 24.
"We will continue discussions with Major Roads about how we go ahead from here," he said.
A video was posted to the Djab Wurrung Heritage Protection Embassy Facebook page at 1.30pm on Friday, with activist Zellanach Gurnaikurnai calling a "red alert" for "warriors" to flock to camps on the highway.
More to come.
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