By JONATHON HOWARD
THE fluoride debate is back on the table and Southern Downs Regional Councillors want ratepayers to decide whether to continue fluoridating the water.
Southern Downs’ ratepayers will receive a fluoride survey that will accompany their rates notices. The survey will help SDRC determine the public view of fluoride and possibly whether to continue fluoridation of local water supplies.
The debate was reignited after the Stanthorpe Save Our Shires Action Group submitted a petition against fluoride to the SDRC in March.
The petition, which was signed by 442 Stanthorpe and surrounding residents, was carried out over a period of three to six months. Results of the petition were discussed by councillors during a general meeting at Stanthorpe on 29 April.
The petition has since divided some councillors, including Cr Vic Pennisi, who voted to have the fluoride program ceased.
However, a subsequent lack of supporting votes resulted in a motion to call a public survey across the entire Southern Downs.
Save Our Shire secretary Mary Rolf said the action group was concerned by the costs and democratic process in relation to fluoride use, but would not enter a debate about the science or health impacts of fluoride.
“Instead, the petition was designed to give choice back to the people,” she said.
“This is not about whether fluoride is good for you or not, it’s about giving the choice to the people and allowing the democratic process to decide.”
Save Our Shire has also raised concerns over the economic impact associated with adding fluoride into the region’s water – as well as the cost of a fresh survey.
The cost to add fluoride to Stanthorpe’s water supply is $5400 per year and the cost to treat Warwick and Yangan is $18,300 per year, according to SDRC figures. The cost of the survey was unknown before the time of print.
Save Our Shire Action Group members also took to Facebook last Thursday, after the council meeting, calling on councillors to “wake up”.
“Stanthorpe Councillor Pennisi moved to have fluoride out of the water – no other councillor supported this motion. Now, they want to survey residents through their rates notices. Can no one hear the people calling out for real choice in this matter? Wake up councillors – we have said “no” often enough – no fluoride in our reticulated water,” the post read.
“We have the results right now, the council needs to take action and have fluoride ceased,” Mrs Rolf said.
