MEMBER for Burnett Stephen Bennett yesterday confirmed that Bundaberg Regional Council will not be forced to fluoridate the region’s water, despite being allocated $4.5 million towards it in the budget.

Council water and wastewater spokesman Alan Bush, a long-time opponent of fluoridation, said he was initially concerned the State Government had back flipped on a decision to allow councils to oppose fluoridation on financial grounds after seeing the budget.

“It’s really pleasing to know (they haven’t),” Cr Bush said.

“Hopefully the money can be reallocated to water and wastewater infrastructure,” he said.

“It would be a real win if we could have the money re-budgeted.”

Mr Bennett said as yet no decision had been made on what the money could be used for.

“I’m sure there are numerous ways people would like to see the money spent,” Mr Bennett said.

“It’s now up to the minister to review where the money will be used.”

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