DEPUTY Mayor Paul Antonio today plans to make a “strong move” against the State Government forcing Toowoomba residents to drink fluoride.

Cr Antonio, council’s water services committee chairman, said he was not against fluoridated water as he gave fluoride tablets to his children and praised its benefits.

However, he believed it should not be forced on residents.

“My personal view is that there is a better way of delivering fluoride. Give people the option of fluoride tablets.”

Fluoridated water has been flowing into the taps of almost 80% of south-east Queensland households for three weeks, but it has not yet reached the Garden City.

Cr Antonio said council needed to act quickly.

“I will make a strong move to make sure we get the government to have another look at it.

“We think we can provide water fluoridation in a better way to people who want it. We think it is a matter of choice.”

The Water Fluoridation Act 2008 was passed in March last year and states that fluoride must be added to Toowoomba’s water supply by December.

A report into the implementation issues specific to the city’s water supply system will be discussed at today’s committee meeting.

Cr Antonio said he would take the case to the State Government. “We hope they will listen to reason,” he said.

Water fluoridation completion dates

Mt Kynoch Water Treatment Plant…December 2009

Crows Nest Water Treatment Plant… December 2010

Highfields Water Treatment Plant… December 2010

Millmerran Water Treatment Plant… December 2010

Yarraman Water Treatment Plant… December 2010

Cambooya Bores… December 2012

Clifton Water Treatment Plant… December 2012

Hodgsonvale Water treatment Plant… December 2012

Pittsworth – Brookstead Water Treatment Plant… December 2012

Wyreema Water Treatment Plant… December 2012