Noosa Council says it has no plans to remove fluoride from the local water supply.
A mayoral minute from Frank Wilkie outlined his stance, which was supported unanimously by councillors at yesterday’s ordinary meeting.
The minute cited the reasons not to, including the logistical complexity of isolating Noosa water from the South-East Queensland water grid; the cost to ratepayers; the potential weakening of Noosa’s water security in times of drought; and the weight of advice from credible water authorities.
The minute detailed the water quality, logistical and financial aspects, which it estimated at more than $20 million by 2013 figures.
“Isolating Noosa from the interconnected water grid to remove fluoride would likely result in delivery of poor water security for the community,” it stated.
“Cessation of fluoride would require alterations to the existing connections with Seqwater and Unitywater distribution systems. Council would be required the bear the costs.
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“Cessation of fluoride would require alterations to the existing connections with Seqwater and the Unitywater distribution system to cease dosing at Noosa, removing fluoride flowing north to Noosa and fluoridating water heading the south and adding connection points.
“In accordance with the Act (Water Fluoridation Act 2008), council would be required to bear the costs associated with a decision to withdraw fluoride from drinking water.
“Unitywater and Seqwater would be entitled to recover additional and ongoing financial costs from council that are incurred because of a decision to cease fluoridation.”
It also outlined health aspects.
“Water fluoridation is supported by Queensland Health and has been endorsed as a safe and effective public health measure by more than 150 science and health organisations,” it said.
“There is reliable evidence that community water fluoridation at current Australian levels is not associated with cancer, Down syndrome, cognitive dysfunction, lowered intelligence or hip fracture or other human health conditions, and existing bodies of evidence consistently shows that water fluoridation reduces tooth decay.”
