Mystery surrounds felling of 400 year old tree

A Main Roads spokesman says the organisation was not aware of the felling of a jarrah tree, believed to be more than 400 years old, in Gelorup.

The tree was discovered on the proposed pathway of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road earlier this week.

The spokesman said Main Roads was unaware of the tree until they were notified by questions by the media.

“It has been confirmed that the tree is located within the Bunbury Outer Ring Road reserve,” he said.

“However, Main Roads did not fell or give permission to fell this tree and is concerned that this occurred while a thorough environmental process is still under way.”

Friends of the Gelorup Corridor spokeswoman Rosina Mogg said she was shocked to discover the tree had been cut down.

“Just recently our local council has updated the protection status on historical buildings within the shire,” she said.

“Some 90-year-old buildings have been given category A protection, and yet we have ancient trees housing animals on the brink of extinction in line for the bulldozers.

“These trees should be afforded heritage listing protection.”

An investigation has been lodged with the Department of Environment Regulation to determine why the tree was cut down.