MONTO and district ratepayers have overwhelmingly rejected the notion of adding fluoride to the town water supply, according to a survey conducted in the region.

The Monto and District Ratepayers and Residents Association (MDRRA) conducted the survey over a three-week period.

The results showed 95% opposed fluoride being added to the town water supply. There were 175 responses to the survey.

Many who completed the survey took the opportunity to comment on the State Government’s compulsory fluoridation program with many calling for the scheme to be scrapped as an “utter waste of money” while some went further, calling for the end of the scheme and saying fluoride was “poison”.

The major complaint seems to be that the government acted without consultation.

MDRRA president Lex Dow said the findings of the survey reflected original opposition to the scheme in Queensland Parliament when 71 voted against and six voted for the scheme when it was first raised in 2005.

“How the pro-fluoride group was able to hoodwink the house into passing the Mandatory Fluoridation Bill in 2010 remains a mystery,” he said.

“Now we see the cash-strapped regional councils who, because they are so beholden to the State Government cheque book, are unwilling to protest but instead simply tug the forelock and meekly comply.”

The results of the survey will be forwarded to Queensland Health, Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd, State Member for Callide Jeff Seeney and the North Burnett Regional Council for further action.

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