The sixth stage of today's opening leg of Rally Australia was cancelled due to the presence of environmental protesters

Only three cars were able to partly make their way through when protesters waving yellow flags appeared. Drivers  slowed down but were soon aware that the flag wavers were not rally officials but demonstrators, who also threw rocks onto the road.   It has been confirmed that rocks were being thrown onto the road as well.

Superintendent Michael Kenny said: "The protesters involved in this rock throwing incident have shown total disregard for the safety of the competitors and officials involved in today's stage of the event. Their behaviour had the potential to seriously injure or kill somebody.

"I will make no apology for coming down hard on anybody considering radical action. Protesters who abide by the law have nothing to fear, however any action that is unlawful will not be tolerated nor will any action which endangers people's safety. Police will use the full force of the law to ensure the safety of everyone involved in this event."