By NIKKI TODD
TWEED Shire Council will publish the cost of fluoridating the shire’s drinking water supplies from next year, following a fiery debate in thecouncil chambers last week.
The controversial topic of adding fluoride to drinking water was debated after Greens councillor Katie Milne placed a notice of motion on the agenda calling on council to publicise the costs involved in fluoridation via a media statement.
Cr Milne introduced the motion as the fluoride debate rages in the neighbouring shires of Ballina, Byron and Lismore where the chemical is not yet added to water.
Fluoride has been added to the Tweed’s drinking water supplies since around 1974 – almost 40 years ago.
A council spokesman said late yesterday the annual cost was $37,010 which worked out to be 0.429 cents per 1000 litres. The spokesman said the fluoride was added under the direction of NSW Health.
“This is just a fact-finding exercise to find out how much it costs,’’ Cr Milne said.
“I think the community has the right to know so they can have an informed debate. As a councillor I am regularly asked about this by the community and I think it is appropriate the community is at least made aware of this.’’
But other councillors vehemently opposed the motion – particularly a clause which called on council to detail potential savings should fluoridation be discontinued.
Deputy Mayor Michael Armstrong, in a rare burst of strong emotion, said he was “gravely concerned’’ about the motion, describing it as “out and out misleading” to imply council could cease fluoridation if it wanted to.
Under NSW legislation, councils that already practise fluoridation may not cease doing so, however 15 councils around the state have never begun the practice.
“This is a disingenuous attempt to suggest we might get savings if we stopped fluoridation,’’ Cr Armstrong said.
“But we simply can’t do it. I can’t see how this motion could be of assistance to the community.’’
Comparing the debate to that against vaccination, Cr Phil Youngblutt said he found Cr Milne’s motion “extraordinary” and was concerned about “a very small minority of people who don’t like (fluoridation) and are prepared to do anything to stop it’’.
Cr Warren Polglase labelled Cr Milne’s motion as “totally misleading – (fluoridation) exists and we cannot take it out’’.
Cr Armstrong instead suggested council should itemise the cost of fluoridation as a line item in Budget papers, with his amended motion supported in a vote 6-1.
NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner weighed into the debate last week, committing $7.5 million to encourage the remaining 15 councils in NSW that do not fluoridate their water to do so.
“The NSW Government is committing $5 million to ensure the 15 councils who have chosen not to fluoridate are able to provide this vital service to their communities,” Mrs Skinner said.
“A further $2.5 million will be invested for the implementation of technological advancements for smaller communities with current approval for fluoridation.
“The evidence about fluoridation is clear – its role in ensuring good oral health and the wider health of the community is absolutely essential.
“Communities across NSW benefit greatly from fluoridated water and councils play an important role in delivering this service.’’
