A MISSING part has delayed the rollout of fluoride into the water supply for Rockhampton, Gracemere and The Caves.

The three centres were expected to come online yesterday.

Despite the F-Day failure, Fitzroy River Water is confident fluoride will be added to the water supply before the Queensland Government’s deadline of the end of the year.

About 50 people gathered outside City Hall yesterday morning to show their opposition to the move.

Many believe the way Premier Anna Bligh has handled the issue will sink her at the next election.

They were told by anti-fluoride campaigner and Rockhampton Regional councillor Glenda Mather about the missing part.

Cr Mather said she found out about the missing piece late Thursday afternoon.

While council didn’t flag any concerns on Thursday to The Morning Bulletin, at 10.45am yesterday it released a statement which said the delivery of a piece of low-level equipment required for the operation of the fluoridation plant had been delayed.

Council said it would advise the community when fluoridation was due to start.

A spokeswoman said it had until December 31 to meet the requirements.

Meanwhile, Cr Mather said she was happy with the turnout outside City Hall.

“Considering the short notice, the rain, that it was a Friday morning and Christmas is coming up, I was very happy,” she said.

She said a larger-scale rally would be held next year.