Australia - Dental expert questions costings for fluoridating Cairns’ water supply

Daniel BatemanThe Cairns Post
Australian Dental Association fluoridation expert Dr Michael Foley has questioned Cairns Regional Council’s costings.
The council says it spent approximately $2.8 million – including $1.9 million in funding from the State Government – to add the tooth-strengthening chemical to Cairns’ water.
This included the installation of fluoridation equipment across the city’s four water treatment plants in 2009 and 2010. According to CEO Peter Tabulo, ongoing operational costs were about $300,000 a year.
Fluoride remained in Cairns’ water supply for about two years, before the council decided to remove it.
This was based on advice from the Local Government Association of Queensland, that suggested “involuntary medication” must not be introduced without community consent.

The council, at the time, bypassed a public vote, choosing instead to dismantle the fluoridation equipment.