'Newman' eats yellow cake at protest ACTIVISTS have staged a colourful protest to demand an independent inquiry into the revival of uranium mining in Queensland. About two dozens protesters waved placards and chanted "no uranium across the reef" and "no yellow cake through Queensland towns" as state cabinet prepared to meet on Monday. The event culminated with a man wearing a paper mache head of Premier Campbell Newman eating and smothering across his face a yellow cake baked for the event. Half a dozen police officers watched on. The government wants to begin assessing uranium mining applications from mid-next year after lifting a longstanding ban. The state has about $10 billion worth of reserves, including $8 billion in the northwest. Protest organiser Mark Bailey says uranium could be shipped through the reef or trained through towns, putting them at risk of a radio active disaster. "Key regional centres like Townsville, Mount Isa, Emerald and St George will be at risk of nuclear accidents," Mr Bailey said. Mr Bailey said the government reneged on its word before the election that it wouldn't proceed, and therefore doesn't have a mandate. An independent inquiry was needed on the dangers and risks associated with the industry and a moratorium until findings were handed down, he said. "This must occur so Queenslanders can give either approval or disapproval of this issue," Mr Bailey said. I have no doubt when they are fully informed, they won't support uranium mining in Queensland. Uranium mining was banned in Queensland in 1989, but it hasn't been mined since 1982.