The desecration of sacred birthing trees in western Victoria has disappointed, and added a further layer to a years-long fight for their protection for Djab Wurrung people, sparking a reward for information from the local Aboriginal Corporation.

The tree, near Buangor, 10 kilometers south-east of Ararat, was vandalised with spray paint reading "build the road", with two holes also cut into its base.

It is understood the damage was caused between Thursday and Friday last week.

Independent Senator, Blak Sovereign Movement spokesperson and proud Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung woman, Lidia Thorpe, labelled the desecration an 'attack' causing great pain.

"The attacks on a birthing tree cause Djab Wurrung Elders, Matriarchs and women great pain. Our maternity trees have sheltered the birth of countless generations of Djab Wurrung babies," the Senator said in a statement.

Ms Thorpe told the ABC "It's devastating" and "like a death in our family," earlier this week after visiting the tree on Saturday.

Proud Djab Wurrung woman Yarran Bundle asked why the damage was caused.

"Djab Wurrung women say Wantayngeenkopa leekanyoong ngootook? - What's the matter within you," she said.

"We will continue to navigate the violence perpetrated and directed onto us in strength, love, respect and welcoming beauty, a true reflection of who we are, as Djab Wurrung People, our proud, ancient to present, interconnected extension of Our Sacred Tyarr (Country)."

Ms Thorpe said the desecration occurred despite the trees being protected under section 12 of the federal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act, following multiple court proceedings regarding their preservation.

Aboriginal people and supporters formed the Djab Wurrung Heritage Protection Embassy activist site in 2018 in response to planned extensions to the Great Western Highway.

In 2021, Victoria's supreme court rejected a case from Djab Wurring people to protect a number of trees after it was concluded a previous cultural heritage report approved by the relevant Indigenous body in 2013 could not be relied on, according to reports.

The federal court later overturned the former federal Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley's rejection of an appeal for protection.

In a press release on Tuesday, Senator Thorpe pointed the finger at actions from the Victorian Government.

"The Andrews Government forcibly prevented us from carrying out our cultural responsibility to protect our sacred trees, promising us that the trees would be safe. But then they removed surveillance systems and fencing around the area, leaving them vulnerable to desecration," Ms Thorpe said.

"We need a complete overhaul of this country's heritage protection framework and we need it urgently. Aboriginal cultural places are destroyed daily either illegally or through legal mechanisms. Every day more of our cultural heritage is being harmed. This is a loss for all people."

Senator Thorpe pushed for Minister Pliberksek to urge the Victorian state government to "reinstate protective systems at the site so that our birthing trees can be preserved for many generations of our women to come."

The trees are said to have been used in custom for more than 50 generations.

According to the ABC, the trees are longer under threat per changes made to the road development's design as well as Major Road Projects Victoria beginning work on a new cultural heritage management plan.

The development is reported to have halted while court proceedings play out.

Investigations into last week's desecration have been launched.

"Representatives of MRPV, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation and First Peoples-State Relations have conducted onsite assessments," a Major Roads Projects Victoria spokesperson said, via the ABC.

"We take seriously any incidents of trespass and vandalism at our sites and condemn any acts that impact cultural heritage."

The Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation has offered a $10,000 reward "for information that will lead directly to a prosecution and conviction for this act of harm to an Aboriginal Place".

"We are deeply saddened by the desecration of the Birthing Tree due to the high nature of cultural significance the tree holds," EMAC Acting Chief Executive Officer William Briggs said via a statement on Monday.

"EMAC will work closely with all involved to ensure that those who are responsible are held accountable."