Lismore-based anti-fluoride activists are preparing a federal court challenge that they hope will ‘cripple the fluoride industry in Australia’.

But in the meantime, they are having a party on Saturday night to raise further funds for their cause.

Fluoride activist Al Oshlack said the money had already been raised to fund the legal challenge, but more was needed to keep the anti-fluoride movement operating out of their new office space in Lismore.

Mr Oshlack said the Fluoride Free Northern Rivers group had been corresponding with the Therapeutic Goods Administration which had denied that registering fluoride was its concern.

‘Our challenge is that fluoride, which they claim is good for us, is not registered with the TGA nor does it have an exemption,’ he said.

‘They say it’s not up to us if you don’t agree, it’s a court matter.’

Taking that as a challenge, the Lismore based group had engaged a solicitor who has prepared a brief that will be sent to a barrister in February.

The proposed legal action comes as Rous Water’s fluoride dosing plants have been experiencing problems delivering the correct amount of fluoride, set at 1mg per 1000 litres.

Independent testing by the group has shown recent levels to be below that amount.

Tests taken on 26 December contained 0.59mg while tests taken on 6 January contained 0.68mg.

‘They’re trying to get it up to 1mg but every time they do the plant breaks down, ‘ Mr Oshlack said.

‘There seems to be a serious design fault with the Corndale plant. It’s broken down three times now and they have to call outside contractors in to fix it.’

Meanwhile, the group will be holding a fundraising evening at the Tatts Hotel in Lismore on Saturday night.

The Fluoride Free NR benefit gig will be headlined by Twin City Riot, a punk rock band from the Gold Coast.

Other bands Atomic Monkey Chunks, SLUG, Melted Couch, Black Ghost Party and Gruntus and Friends.

The evening begins at 7.30pm.

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