Australia - Geelong fluoride bomb threat with process to start today

Security Guard at the Wurdee Boluc treatment plant.


Geelong fluoride bomb threat with process to start today
Peter Farago
June 22nd, 2009


ANTI-FLUORIDE extremists have threatened to blow up Geelong's water treatment plants in protest against the introduction of the chemical today.
Sources have told The Geelong Advertiser that a bomb threat was made by phone to Barwon Water. The authority is set to start adding fluoride to Geelong's water supply at the Wurdee Boluc and Moorabool water treatment plants today.
Police have also confirmed a threatening letter was sent to the Department of Human Services.
A State Government spokesman said the threats had been referred to police.
Barwon Water managing director Michael Malouf said while he was not certain the threat was credible, the authority was taking it very seriously.
"Barwon Water is working closely with police and other agencies to find the person responsible," he said.
"Security measures have been ramped up at Barwon Water sites but the threat will not be allowed to impact on the delivery of services to customers."
Mr Malouf said fluoride was scheduled to be progressively added to Geelong's water supply from today.
South Barwon MP Michael Crutchfield, a strong advocate for the Government on fluoride, has also ramped up security at his Belmont office.
"I've spoken to protective services. We've made arrangements in our offices accordingly," he said.
"I'm taking it very seriously. My staff are alert but not alarmed."
Mr Crutchfield described the threat as an "extreme reaction hopefully by one individual".
"He or she had better realise that if they are caught they will be prosecuted. It's a criminal act and extraordinarily irresponsible to say the least," he said.
Asked whether he thought the threat had come from the anti-fluoride lobby in Geelong, Mr Crutchfield said he'd let other people make that judgment.
The State Government yesterday condemned "any threat to interfere with the community's vital water supplies".
"The Brumby Labor Government is getting on with the job of ensuring the people of Geelong have access to fluoride water," a spokesman said.
Barwon Association for Freedom from Fluoridation (BAFF) officials also condemned the threats.
President Keith Oakley said BAFF had maintained a clean fight against fluoride but admitted there were many people angry at the Government.
"I can guarantee that none of our members did this. We're not going to stoop to that level," he said.
"A lot of people are really upset at the way the Government has treated the people. They haven't been given a choice.
BAFF secretary David McRae said people who opposed fluoride were not confined to BAFF's membership but the group supports only lawful protest.
"I feel a great deal of sympathy for whoever would have received that call. I'm concerned any time there is some threat of violence. It's stressful and upsetting," he said.
"BAFF only supports lawful protest because we believe fluoridation will end soon because of the scientific evidence against it."