Protesters face off with riot police over removal of 'sacred' trees along Western Highway
Protesters fighting to save "sacred" trees in the path of a $660-million highway upgrade have faced off with riot police in south-west Victoria.
Traditional owner Zellanach Djab Mara said about 150 protesters faced off against around 100 police, including riot police, who were trying to remove activists from the site so the trees could be cleared on Tuesday.
The confrontation ended without violence and no one was arrested, according to the activists, who have claimed a "temporary victory".
The activists set up a protest camp about 10 months ago, 200 kilometres west of Melbourne, to blockade the planned removal of 3000 trees - including 260 large old-growth trees - along the Western Highway.
Mr Djab Mara said he expected police to return to the camp and said traditional owners would continue to try to stop the road upgrade on the ground and in the courts.
Victoria Police has been contacted for comment.