FLUORIDATED water is coming and the state government has given Gympie Regional Council until December 31, 2010 to fluoridate Gympie, Rainbow Beach, Tin Can Bay and Cooloola Cove.

Some local councillors are against the move that Premier Anna Bligh says will save the state $1 billion in 30 years for dental costs.

At a Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting on Wednesday councillors voted to write asking the state and Premier Bligh to reconsider the fluoridation of town water supplies.

The motion went on to say instead of fluoridating water the government should ensure there are available supplies of fluoride tablets for those who “wish to be medicated”.

The motion was sparked by correspondence from the Friendly Society Pharmacy who said some manufacturing companies had now discontinued the production of fluoride tablets and they would no longer be selling them.

Deputy Mayor and Community and Economic Development Committee chairman Cr Tony Perrett said it seemed odd companies were no longer making the tablets, as people without town water may need them.

Cr Ian Petersen, who moved the motion, said he would prefer to have a choice of drinking fluoridated water.

“I think its wrong, it’s compulsory medication,” he said.

Cr Petersen said the cost of putting fluoride in drinking water wasn’t proportionate to the benefits people would experience.

He said in regards to water usage, the amount of water people drink is only small and a large amount of fluoridated water would be flushed down the toilet or used in the garden.

“What are they going to put in next? I’d be happy to go along with it if we had a referendum,” he said.

Cr Jan Watt seconded the motion, saying in the past people in this region had expressed they didn’t want fluoride in drinking water.

“I am personally opposed to fluoridation. We do provide tablets to those who want it. The health benefits and disadvantages are highly debated,” she said.

Cr Watt said the government offered to subsidise smaller towns like Imbil being fluoridated, but councillors were not going to take the government up on the offer.

“As a councillor I have to comply with the state government. But there is enough cause for concern that fluoride should warrant a serious investigation. I’ve got huge concerns about health claims.”

Cr Watt also said people would be absorbing fluoride when showering, which was worrying.

Queensland Health Chief Executive Officer Dr Jeannette Young said fluoridated water was more effective then tablets as it was more beneficial when applied topically.

Council is planning to fluoridate town water supplies in the later half of 2010.

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