Australia - Hope flows in anti-fluoride campaign

Hope flows in anti-fluoride campaign
Nikki Taylor
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
PUBLIC outrage against the State Government's compulsory fluoridation roll out has spilled over on the Tableland.
A Facebook group established by Kuranda resident Hannah Wattel has already attracted 363 members.
"It is a large number for the area and I think it sends a clear message…most of us don’t want fluoride," Ms Wattle said.
Mayor Rosa Lee Long is encouraging every resident to stand up and be counted.
"We know a lot of people don’t want fluoride…I would encourage everyone to attend rallies, sign petitions and protest loudly," she said.
It comes following a promise from Queensland Premier Campbell Newman he would "look at" the situation after a question from Dalrymple MP Shane Knuth where he called for a moratorium on fluoridation of all town water.
"The idea of forcing certain communities right now to put it (fluoride) in and incur the cost is something I am more than happy to look at," Mr Newman told parliament.
"It is very expensive infrastructure and there are ongoing operating costs, and particularly if the communities were against it, I am happy to talk to the member if he has a concern about a particular location in his electorate."
Mr Knuth said the growing body of peer-reviewed credible research revealed "ineffectiveness" of fluoridation on dental health and the adverse health effects of fluoridation.
Cr Lee Long described Mr Newman’s comments as "very encouraging".
"It is great news… I am seeking advice as to whether Council could defer the start-up of fluoridation until we know the outcome of the LNP convention and the ultimate stance the new State Government might take," Mayor Lee Long said.
Anti-fluoride rallies will be held at Kuranda and Malanda on July 1 at Centenary and Memorial Parks.