The Lachlan Shire says it is confident there is broad support for plans to add fluoride to Lake Cargelligo’s water supply.

The Council is building a second water tower in the town and wants to fluoridate the supply to improve locals’ dental health.

The mayor John Medcalf says it would particularly benefit Aboriginal residents.

He said while fluoride could be a controversial issue, it would be in the best interest of the community.

“There’s a fair bit of myth put out there about what fluoride can do and that sort of thing and some people just worry about it a bit but I think in the long term it’s a step forward,” mayor Medcalf said.

“There’s no question about that, the health and that sort of thing of the whole community.”

The Council has secured funding from the State Government for the work.

Mayor Medcalfe said it would help offset a shortage of dental services in the town.

“Dental health is a very important part of living because if you’ve got a healthy mouth you’ve got to have a reasonably health body and also with the population out there too, it’s quite a high Aboriginal population and there’s not that many dentists around.

“We’ve got one in Condobolin and we used to have a western dental service out there which we haven’t now and I think with that this will help with no end.”

Print PDF