FLUORIDATION will be scrapped from Moyne Shire’s public health plan.

But the council is powerless to stop the State Government from injecting the chemical into its public water supplies.

The council this week agreed to remove references from its plan that advocated the fluoridation of reticulated water.

Only two councillors voted against the decision, which attracted public support.

Moyne Mayor Ken Gale said although the council could not stop water fluoridation, it was its job to listen to the public.

“Our job as councillors is to listen to the views of ratepayers, that’s what we are elected to do,” he said.

“It is very clear that a large majority of our ratepayers are against the introduction of fluoride into our water.”

Cr Jim Doukas agreed and said if people wanted fluoridated water they could buy the chemical in tablet form.

“We are talking about chemical ingestion. We are a first-world country and there are other dental health measures we can support,” he said.

Three public submissions were received about deleting fluoride from the plan.

The main issue of concern were the ahsence of choice and health impacts.

Although she could not vote because of a conflict of interest, Cr Di Clanchy supported fluoridation and said the council had a duty of care to look after its ratepayers’ health.

“Adding fluoride ensures better health for our residents,” she said.

“I think we are taking a backward step to remove it from the public health plan.”

The State Government plans to introduce fluoride into Warrnambool’s water supply, which also services parts of Koroit and Allansford.

Council’s kidney query

WARRNAMBOOL City Council will advise chronic kidney disease sufferers to seek medical advice on the possible side effects of water fluoridation.

It will also send a copy of the latest US National Kidney Foundation report to Victoria’s Chief Officer of Health, seeking his advice on the issue.

City chief executive Bruse Anson gave the assurance to the Warrnambool Fluoride Action Group which highlighted the issue in a question to Monday night’s city council meeting.

Group member Jim Morrisey also asked if the council was prepared for possible legal action from kidney disease sufferers. Mr. Anson said legal liability would be covered by the State Government.

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