Australia - accuses us of being flat earthers
Warwick may put debate on fluoride to referendum test
02.05.2006
Kate McIntosh
WARWICK Shire Council may resolve its own water debate with a referendum.
The council's decision to consider adding fluoride to the urban water supply has proved an emotive issue within the community, with council this week withdrawing its support for a proposed independent phone poll. The council had previously agreed to be bound by the results of a phone poll next month to gauge community support for fluoridation. But, the poll, along with planned community consultation sessions have now been shelved. 'Warwick Deputy Mayor Doug Cutmore believes touted health benefits of fluoridation "don't add up". He wants "the people have their say", and has called for a referendum to decide the fate of water fluoridation. Despite his own misgivings, he has vowed to accept the outcome of any future referendum. "I have no qualms about the democratic process. If the public is informed and they want it, I wouldn't fight it," he said.
The Queensland Government is currently offering local councils funding for the installation of water fluoridation plants in a bid to reduce soaring dental health costs. Warwick was the lone respondent out of 43 councils approached by Queensland Health to enter preliminary discussions on fluoridation. Cr Dan Noble, who supports fluoridation, said "scaremongering by certain lobby groups" continued to cloud the issue.
"They're (lobby groups) using the same science used to explain the earth was flat. It's very narrow, very selective information," he said.
Cr Noble said fluoridation had been endorsed by the World Health Organisation and leading medical experts as both safe and effective.
Council plans to continue talks with Queensland Health this month.
To email letters@thechronicle.com.au
02.05.2006
Kate McIntosh
WARWICK Shire Council may resolve its own water debate with a referendum.
The council's decision to consider adding fluoride to the urban water supply has proved an emotive issue within the community, with council this week withdrawing its support for a proposed independent phone poll. The council had previously agreed to be bound by the results of a phone poll next month to gauge community support for fluoridation. But, the poll, along with planned community consultation sessions have now been shelved. 'Warwick Deputy Mayor Doug Cutmore believes touted health benefits of fluoridation "don't add up". He wants "the people have their say", and has called for a referendum to decide the fate of water fluoridation. Despite his own misgivings, he has vowed to accept the outcome of any future referendum. "I have no qualms about the democratic process. If the public is informed and they want it, I wouldn't fight it," he said.
The Queensland Government is currently offering local councils funding for the installation of water fluoridation plants in a bid to reduce soaring dental health costs. Warwick was the lone respondent out of 43 councils approached by Queensland Health to enter preliminary discussions on fluoridation. Cr Dan Noble, who supports fluoridation, said "scaremongering by certain lobby groups" continued to cloud the issue.
"They're (lobby groups) using the same science used to explain the earth was flat. It's very narrow, very selective information," he said.
Cr Noble said fluoridation had been endorsed by the World Health Organisation and leading medical experts as both safe and effective.
Council plans to continue talks with Queensland Health this month.
To email letters@thechronicle.com.au
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