Australia - Darling Downs council seeks fluoride tablet alternative
Darling Downs council seeks fluoride tablet alternative
Posted 11 hours 17 minutes ago
A Darling Downs council wants to opt out of the State Government's water fluoridation scheme and instead offer residents fluoride tablets.
Fluoride is already in most south-east Queensland drinking water supplies and is due to be added to Toowoomba's water by the end of the year.
Toowoomba Deputy Mayor Paul Antonio says a report out today shows it will be logistically and financially difficult.
"As far as we're concerned we want to talk to the State Government about this because we believe there's a better way of delivering fluoride to those people who want to use fluoride," he said.
The State Government wants 90 per cent of Queensland's water supplies fluoridated by 2012 to improve dental health.
Councillor Antonio says the council will consider today whether to ask the Government if it can offer a tablet alternative.
"There are obviously a lot of people who don't want it and there are obviously people who do want it and see a benefit in it," he said.
"I think we can deliver it in a different way without forcing people to do things and make it a choice that people have."
Acting Premier Paul Lucas says Toowoomba cannot opt out and the State is meeting the capital costs of adding fluoride.
"Well I don't think that's unreasonable for councils that supply water to meet the relatively modest ongoing costs of fluoridation, they meet the ongoing costs of chlorinating the water and other treating of it as well," he said.
"It's a very modest cost but the State will meet the full cost of installation.
"I'm happy to work with the Toowoomba Council to see if there are any issues they have got."
Posted 11 hours 17 minutes ago
A Darling Downs council wants to opt out of the State Government's water fluoridation scheme and instead offer residents fluoride tablets.
Fluoride is already in most south-east Queensland drinking water supplies and is due to be added to Toowoomba's water by the end of the year.
Toowoomba Deputy Mayor Paul Antonio says a report out today shows it will be logistically and financially difficult.
"As far as we're concerned we want to talk to the State Government about this because we believe there's a better way of delivering fluoride to those people who want to use fluoride," he said.
The State Government wants 90 per cent of Queensland's water supplies fluoridated by 2012 to improve dental health.
Councillor Antonio says the council will consider today whether to ask the Government if it can offer a tablet alternative.
"There are obviously a lot of people who don't want it and there are obviously people who do want it and see a benefit in it," he said.
"I think we can deliver it in a different way without forcing people to do things and make it a choice that people have."
Acting Premier Paul Lucas says Toowoomba cannot opt out and the State is meeting the capital costs of adding fluoride.
"Well I don't think that's unreasonable for councils that supply water to meet the relatively modest ongoing costs of fluoridation, they meet the ongoing costs of chlorinating the water and other treating of it as well," he said.
"It's a very modest cost but the State will meet the full cost of installation.
"I'm happy to work with the Toowoomba Council to see if there are any issues they have got."
posted by Bill at
9:56 AM
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