Felling of ancient tree 'illegal'

An ancient jarrah tree on the proposed pathway of a halted highway project in Western Australia could have been illegally felled, the Greens and Labor have said.

Main Roads said the tree on Forrest Road in Coolbellup was cut down for public safety reasons and has denied it was linked to the controversial Roe 8 project, which has been met with heavy public opposition.

"Main Roads authorised the removal of the tree following a recommendation from an arborist who deemed the tree a potential safety hazard with large dry dead limbs and evidence that some had fallen in the recent past," Main Roads media manager Dean Roberts said.

However, Labor and Green politicians have questioned the legality of the move and want to see Main Roads prosecuted by the Department of Environment.

Opposition environment spokesman Chris Tallentine said it is an offence to cut down trees while the environmental assessment connected to the Roe 8 project is ongoing.

"It is a disgraceful act and possibly an illegal one as well," he said.