“THERE is something fundamentally disturbing about a government putting additives in the water supply”.
That’s the opinion expressed by Mackay mayor Greg Williamson before the March, 2016 council election.
But Cr Williamson also said fluoridation was proven to significantly reduce caries (cavities) in children and adults.
Currently, the Mackay region’s water is fluoridated by Mackay Regional Council, as recommended by Queensland Health, but not forced by the State since laws changed in 2012.
Cr Williamson, while running for mayor, called for a “full open debate” on fluoridation in the region.
Last month a Facebook page, NO Water Fluoridation in Mackay, posting since May 21, has questioned the value of fluoride in the water, citing anti-fluoride articles.
Reader poll
Do you believe in the fluoridation of our water supply?
This poll ended on 02 June 2016.
Yes – 26%
No – 73%
This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.
The Daily Mercury has previously reported fluoridation costs the council about $250,000 a year.
This amounts to about $2.80 per person.
However, Australian dentists and their peak national body, the Australian Dental Association, have long backed fluoridating public water supplies to prevent cavities, especially in kids.
The debate for and against fluoride in water has long existed, so we ask: Should our region’s water be fluoridated?
Do you have any worries about fluoridation, or is it wholly beneficial?
And do you think a thorough discussion is needed about the practice at a local level?
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