VICTORIA Police will not reveal whether it will act on an eviction notice to remove activists from the Western Highway campsite at Buangor.
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It comes after supporter numbers swelled at the Djab Wurrung Heritage Protection Embassy this week as the pending eviction loomed.
Major Road Projects Victoria issued the eviction notice to activists a fortnight ago so works could recommence.
People have camped at the site for 14 months protesting the duplication route they say would impact many culturally significant trees.
The Ararat Advertiser asked Victoria Police the following questions:
- When will Victoria Police enforce the eviction notice?
- What kind of policing units will be involved?
- How many people does Victoria Police expect to remove from the site?
- Will those who refuse to leave the site be arrested?
Victoria Police sent back a statement from Northern Grampians Local Area Commander Inspector Paul Bertoncello.
"Victoria Police does not have an ongoing presence at the protest site, which is on land owned by Major Roads Project Victoria," Mr Bertoncello said in the statement.
"Should a report be made to police regarding an offence of trespass or any other offence, police will investigate and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.
"Due to operational reasons, Victoria Police will not be commenting about any potential investigation which would be undertaken at the discretion of the land-owner.
"Victoria Police respects the right for people to protest peacefully, but will not tolerate those who break the law or engage in anti-social behaviour or violence."
In a social media post, the Victorian Trades Hall Council said it would "continue to stand in solidarity" with the activists.
Union members will also take part in a solidarity convey from Melbourne to the embassy on Saturday.
The Ararat Advertiser has contacted the activists' lawyer Michael Kennedy for comment.
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