By ALENA HIGGINS
THOSE undecided about the water fluoridation debate may get the chance to hear both sides of the argument before the Southern Downs Regional Council sends out a survey to gauge public sentiment for the practice.
Councillors narrowly agreed last Wednesday to provide the venues for public information sessions regarding the upcoming fluoridation survey and advise the Department of Health and Queenslanders for Safe Drinking Water of its offer.
It comes after president of Queenslanders for Safe Drinking Water Merilyn Haines contacted councillor Vic Pennisi to request a number of information forums be held in the weeks leading up to the distribution of the survey, which is expected to be sent out along with water rates in October.
Cr Pennisi said it made sense for respondents to be fully informed.
“It is my view that it is fair and reasonable for people who are going to make the decision, and for those who haven’t got a view, to be given the opportunity to hear both sides of the debate so they can make an informed decision when the time comes,” Cr Pennisi said.
“In fact, I think it shows true leadership.”
Ms Haines, who has more than 30 years experience in medical science and has been studying the negative effects of fluoridation for more than 20 years, said she hoped the Department of Health would get on board and council would provide an impartial chair.
A Queensland Health spokewoman said it has provided many briefings to Queensland councils on the benefits of water fluoridation and would welcome the opportunity to participate in any public information sessions organised by the council.
Mayor Peter Blundell and councillors Denise Ingram, Jo McNally and Neil Meiklejohn voting against Cr Pennisi’s motion.
The council agreed at its June meeting to send a questionnaire “to every Warwick and Stanthorpe water treatment plant water connection ratepayer” asking if they want fluoridation to continue or be removed.
It has vowed to discontinue fluoridation if more than 50 per cent of returns from either the Warwick or Stanthorpe water treatment plant water connection ratepayers signal that as their wish.
