The Standard understands work on the site began last year before stopping shortly afterwards, only to resume again in recent months.

The Standard also understands several people living near the lava flow contacted the shire in recent months about the rock crushing but nothing was done to stop the work until it was obliterated.

Two Deakin University professors, James Dunbar and Peter Tyler, who raised concern earlier this month about the landmark’s destruction, said the shire’s lack of action in enforcing the need for a planning permit for the work had allowed the landowner to destroy the landmark.

Southern Grampians Shire Council told The Standard it first became aware that works had commenced late last year and notified Aboriginal Victoria immediately. 

A council spokesperson said the work on the lava flow ceased and the council informed the landowner of his requirements to apply for a planning permit. 

The spokesperson said “the landowners did not lodge an application for any works on the land and therefore council had nothing to consider.”

The lava flow had a popular viewpoint on the Hamilton-Port Fairy Road where interpretive signs about the landmark had been installed.

The council said it understood that Aboriginal Victoria told the landowner last year that a mandatory cultural heritage management plan was required before any further works could be undertaken.

However Aboriginal Victoria told The Standard it was notified of the work on July 5.

A spokesperson said the proponent for the works could not be contacted until July 8 and worked stopped immediately.

"Aboriginal Victoria decided a Stop Order was still necessary in this instance, and this was issued on July 8, 2016.

"There are very clear and strong laws surrounding the protection of Aboriginal Cultural heritage and the penalties that can be applied," the spokesperson said.

It warned the penalties of up to $1.5 million could be imposed for harming Aboriginal cultural heritage.