The fluoride debate in Mackay has hotted up in the lead-up to a community forum to test public support for leaving fluoride in the region’s water supply.

An overnight discussion on the Daily Mercury’s Facebook site confirmed the passion around the issue.

It comes as a community forum will be held Wednesday, September 14, at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, starting from 6.30pm.

Mayor Greg Williamson, who will facilitate the forum, said it was the best way to gauge community views on the issue, along with professional polling.

Amanda  Woolnough  questioned why the council was wasting money on fluoride “when the water is too putrid and stinks of chlorine to actually drink”.

“Put it to an online vote and let the public decide, I vote No fluoride.”

Bev Sorbello posted: “If our town water is so good, why do I see so many people buying bottled water at the supermarket?”

But Brett Notaras said he couldn’t understand why the council and Daily Mercury gave “these anti science, anti fluoride extremists a platform”.

“This is the definition of false balance and creates nothing but fear and uncertainty.

“While there is over 70 years of credible evidence to support the benefits, efficacy and safety of fluoridation, these anti science extremists will never accept anything that contradicts their pre determined ideologies.

“They are no better than the anti vaxxers who use fear and intimidation to mislead the public, instead of evidence and critical thinking.”

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But Mazza Louise said: “Putting this poison into our water takes away our CHOICE. It is FORCED on people AGAINST THEIR WILL. If people want to poison themselves with fluoride they can take tablets. Those who don’t want it can’t take it out of their water!!!”

Rod Altmann said: “We have had 2 Referendums in Mackay both a resounding No.

“By Law we need another referendum to overturn the last one. But hey who cares about the Law anymore, in my opinion the council doesn’t seem to.”

At the forum, Dr Michael Foley from the Australian Dental Association will deliver a presentation supporting fluoride, while Merilyn Haines from Queenslanders Against Water Fluoridation will deliver a 15-minute opportunity to present her case.

Fluoride was first added to the Mackay water supply in 2009, after the Queensland Government made it mandatory for any town with a population of more than 1,000 people.

It was added to the Sarina supply in 2010 and in the Marian/Mirani supply in late 2014.

In 2012, the LNP Government allowed councils to decide whether to continue fluoridation.

Liza Aquarmann said she believed there were too many uncertainties about it’s long term health effects.

“If there’s any doubt – don’t do it. Remember DDT, Asbestos etc – all thought to be perfectly safe back in the day …”

What ‘Quackwatch says about fluoride debate

But Lorelle Bowditch wrote: Here’s hoping that the decision is based on science and reason and not on the opinions of the vocal conspiracy theorists who get their information from personal blogs and uninformed scaremongers.