BILOELA and Moura ratepayers may get to decide whether fluoride continues to be added to their drinking water.

At last month’s Banana Shire Council meeting, a 500-signature petition calling for fluoridation of drinking water to cease until the council holds a referendum on fluoridation in Biloela and Moura was presented by Mayor Ron Carige.

The petition was received and, in accordance with Local Government law, it was handed to chief executive officer Ray Geraghty for consideration and to present a report back to the council.

Mr Geraghty said he would present his report to the council next week.

Fluoridation of the Biloela and Moura water supplies started about six months ago, after a dosing facility was built using funds from the State Government.

Legislation to fluoridate drinking water was introduced by the former Labor government and as a result the council proceeded with the process of calling for tenders to construct the facility.

The Newman government repealed the legislation, allowing councils to back away from fluoridation.

Since then, 23 councils across Queensland have either ceased fluoridation or voted not to proceed.