HOUSEHOLDS across Moyne Shire will be given a chance to have their say on fluoride.
A mail-out survey or a public forum will be held for the council to gauge the community’s view about the contentious issue.
Warrnambool, Koroit and Allansford are expected to have their water supplies fluoridated under a Victorian Government initiative.
Inviting Moyne residents into the debate comes after the Department of Human Services sent a written response to 10 questions councillors posed after receiving a presentation from the department.
It listed six European countries which have fluoride added to their water ranging from 1 per cent of Poland to 66 per cent of Ireland.
It also noted 11 European countries have naturally occurring fluoride in their water including Austria, France and Sweden.
Hopkins-Childers councill Bruce Couch said tenders to build a fluoride treatment plant in Warrnambool had already been advertised despite the department’s response stating parliament was still debating whether community votes should be held on the issue before implementation.
Port Fairy councillor and Wannon Water director Di Clanchy said she was concerned about the cost of a mail-out given the council had no power to change the issue.
Cr Frank Norton said he wanted all residents to have a say because Port Fairy had naturally occurring fluoride. “Why wouldn’t you ask them. You have to ask anyone affected by fluoride,” Cr Norton said.
Warrnambool’s anti-fluoride campaigners have complained about lack of consultation on the issue and have vowed to fight to keep it out of the city’s supply.
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