Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says his government is trying to find a consensus with Indigenous Australians who have taken issue with a planned highway upgrade in the state's west.
The Djab Wurrung people say the Western Highway upgrade will impact culturally significant trees.
The trees are marked for removal to make way for the 12.5 km highway upgrade, between Buangor and Ararat.
Mr Andrews says an original plan for the works had been revised in an effort to deal with cultural concerns, but the issue remains outstanding.
"We are continuing to work in good faith to try and find a way forward," he told parliament on Wednesday.
The premier stressed the road must be redone to save lives, with 11 deaths on the highway in as many years.
"This road is regarded by the government as critically important for safety," he said.
AAP
