A REFERENDUM on the fluoride issue could be on the table after new legislation passed on Tuesday night, changing the powers of local councils and giving them the right to hold a “people’s vote” on key issues.

But Bundaberg Mayor Mal Forman said the council had not yet considered whether it would hold a referendum on the contentious issue.

“We only found out about the changes yesterday,” he said. “We haven’t had a chance to discuss any of the changes.”

Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said amendments to the Local Government Act would change the way councils did business.

“I’ve met with Queensland’s 73 councils, and they wanted change,” he said.

“If we want to change the economy, we need to change the things that were holding Queensland back.”

Changes include putting mayors back in control, dispensing with annual community and financial plans, making residential occupiers as well as owners responsible and enabling councils to again hold referendums on issues of local interest.

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READER POLL [as of 8:14 am US eastern standard time]

Do you think Bundaberg water should have fluoride added?

Results
Yes  15%
No   84%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

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