Work on controversial $1.25 billion highway in Australia halted

A federal court order has been extended as an environmental legal challenge gets underway, and the construction of a contentious $1.25 billion highway in Western Australia's south has been stopped by a federal court injunction.

Bulldozers started clearing bushland for the final leg of Bunbury Outer Ring Road last week, but work stopped suddenly on Friday afternoon when a local environmental group mounted a legal challenge and an injunction was enforced.

The road's environmental and social impact is too great, but both the state and federal governments say the risks can be managed.

Justice Craig Colvin heard arguments for and against Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek's approval of the project in late June.

Justice Colvin ordered a pause on construction to be put in place until midday tomorrow, as the case enters its second day.

More to come.