BALLINA Shire Council last week agreed to fluoridate the shire’s water supply for a second time.

Cr Keith Williams tabled a notice of motion to reverse the previous decision to add fluoride to the water.

His beef was with the idea of “informed consent” for residents, not with the science of fluoridation.

After he could only gain the support of Cr Jeff Johnson, Cr Sharon Cadwallader then moved that Ballina Shire Council “reaffirm” to Rous Water its support of fluoridation, with councillors agreeing to that eight votes to two, with Crs Williams and Jeff Johnson against.

While mayor Cr David Wright said he was against fluoridation, he voted in favour of it this time around, saying there was an expectation in the community following the 2006 decision that it would happen.

Ballina dentist, Dr Stephen Enright, welcomed the move to add fluoride to the water supply.

He said the move would benefit “the most vulnerable”.

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