NEW group Safe Water Northern Rivers gathered outside Rous Water yesterday to oppose the introduction of fluoride into Lismore’s drinking water.

Spokeswoman for Safe Water Northern Rivers Sarah Pretorius said the protest was about promoting “freedom of choice”.

“Access to clean water is a basic human right,” Ms Pretorius said.

Lismore City Deputy Mayor Simon Clough said fluoridation was a “huge issue”.

“If a medical practitioner was asked to prescribe a toxic substance without knowing a patient they wouldn’t do it; fluoridating the water is toxic,” Mr Clough said.

Rous Water general manager Kyme Lavelle said Rous Water would comply with each council’s direction in regards to fluoridation.

Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell said the council’s resolution remained to go ahead with fluoridation by 2015.

“The community can express their views as they wish and council will have a workshop to discuss this.”

Lismore City Council will hold the workshop on December 3 to discuss both sides of the fluoride debate.

Members of the public are welcome to attend.

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