Meeting minutes

ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES                                                          16 NOVEMBER 2023


4.            PETITIONS

              Nil.

5.            NOTIFIED MOTIONS

              Nil.

6.            PRESENTATIONS

              Nil.

7.            DEPUTATIONS

              Nil.

11.           PUBLIC QUESTION TIME




      11.1.          DEBRA WALZ

                     Question 1.
                     Given everything we know about the toxicity of fluoride, and Noosa Council being
                     only one of 21 councils of 77 councils across the State of Qld, that has adopted
                     the inclusion of fluoride in the town water supply, was there any community
                     consultation prior to fluoride being included, if so, when and how?
                     Answer provided by Richard MacGillivray, Director Development and
                     Regulation
                     Queensland Health advise that fluoridation of drinking water is the most effective
                     community-wide means of reducing tooth decay. Water fluoridation at optimal
                     levels remains one of the most significant oral health programs in Australia and is
                     supported by peak health bodies including;
                           National Health and Medical Research Council,
                           Australian Dental Association,
                           Australian Medical Association and
                           the World Health Organisation.
                     Queensland Health confirm that approximately 72% of Queenslanders receive
                     fluoridated drinking water. Fluoride is added to drinking water because it
                     strengthens tooth enamel and reduces tooth decay. The Department of Health is
                     responsible for encouraging councils in Queensland to add fluoride to drinking
                     water as well as strictly monitoring the quality and safety of potable water under
                     state law and national guidelines. Fluoridation in Queensland is regulated in
                     accordance with the Water Fluoridation Act 2008 and Water Fluoridation
                     Regulation 2008. The State Government has since devolved powers to each local
                     government in Queensland to be able to make the decision whether or not the
                     town water supplies within their area are fluoridated. Noosa’s water is treated by
                     the region’s bulk water authority Seqwater, including the addition of fluoride and
                     is then distributed to customers throughout the region by Unitywater. It is relevant
                     to note that the full costs to reverse any decision to fluoridate the water supply
                     must be borne by the relevant local council and ratepayers. I am aware that Noosa
                     along with Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast Council’s, within Unitywater's service
                     area, have not made a decision under section 103 of the Water Fluoridation Act