Fluoridation debate revival in Port Macquarie prompts State Government warning

The New South Wales Minister for Local Government has warned councils to be careful with taxpayer's money after the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council accepted plans to ask voters if fluoride should be removed from the town's water supply. 

The council voted 4–3 in favour of the poll in March 2020, but it was postponed to September this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cost of the poll is around $60,000.

Fluoride in water across the state is mandated by NSW Health.

The minister, Shelley Hancock, said she was dubious about where the idea for the fluoride poll came from, or why.

"Clearly council has made that decision and they're entitled to do that. They're independent bodies," she said.

"But it's a surprising decision to have been made given that there is no other council that I'm aware of even contemplating such a move.

"It's really something that's become entrenched in our community to have fluoridated water for the obvious benefits."..................