A Gympie councillor will today push for a referendum on whether fluoridation of the local water supply should continue.
Queensland Health Minister Lawrence Springborg says councils given funds to provide fluoridation will be required to continue the fluoridated supply.
However, that is not stopping Cr Ian Petersen, who says he is strongly opposed to the concept of compulsory mass medication.
Cr Petersen will present a notice of motion at today’s Gympie council meeting.
He wants a referendum to be held when the next rates bills are sent out to see if the community wants to keep fluoride in the water supply.
Cr Petersen says fluoridation has a detrimental impact that far outweighs a very minimal benefit.
He believes it is pointless to fluoridate council’s three reticulated water supplies when more than 90 per cent of it is used for watering gardens, washing cars and flushing toilets.
The president of the Australian Medical Association of Queensland, Dr Alex Markwell, says there are no health risks from fluoride and is surprised there is still any debate about the benefits of fluoride.
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