Meeting minutes

ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES                                                 16 NOVEMBER 2023


             2008 to cease adding fluoride to the water supply and no community consultation
             has occurred with regard to this subject.

            Question 2.
            Is Council aware of the numerous scientific studies that explain the detrimental
            health consequences of the addition of fluoride eg enzyme inhibitor, neuro toxin,
            dental fluorosis, osteoporosis, plus many more, in town water and do you believe
            the addition of fluoride in town water should be forced on people without consent?
            Answer provided by Richard MacGillivray, Director Development and
            Regulation
            Council is aware there are a range of different viewpoints and research involving
            accredited, unaccredited and independent studied into the potential health
            benefits and effects associated with the fluoridation of town water. Council relies
            on advice from Queensland Health as the Government department responsible
            for public health within our State to evaluate medical research from across the
            Nation and Globe and to provide clear guidance to local governments and
            communities on a range of public health matters including fluoride in water
            supplies. Advice from Queensland Health states that “Local governments should
            note that fluoridation has been proven as a safe, effective and ethical means of
            preventing tooth decay, for people of all ages and not just for children. It is
            supported by peak health bodies including the National Health and Medical
            Research Council, the Australia Dental Association, the Australian Medical
            Association and the World Health Organization. When considering whether
            fluoridation is in the best interests of a community, Queensland Health
            recommends local governments consider the significant oral health benefits that
            are associated with drinking water fluoridation.” In relation to statement regarding
            consent I would advise that councils are bound by the legislative framework which
            must be adhered to when making decisions about the fluoridation of town water.
            Council will fully adhere to its obligations in this regard.


    11.2.   NICK COOKE

            Question 1.
            Can council please confirm the total sum (in dollars) of council funding and grants
            given to Zero Emissions Noosa since its inception in 2017?
            Answer provided byKim Rawlings, Director Strategy and Environment
            Since 2017 Zen Inc has been successful in gaining $226,675 across the 7 years
            via various Council Community, Economic and Environment Grants and funding.

            Question 2.
            Since the proposed lithium ‘community batteries’ to be implemented by Noosa
            Council lay outside the criteria of ‘assessable development’ under the Planning
            Act 2016, can Council please confirm the type of application (if any), the criteria,
            processes and any risk assessments you will be using to assess the proposed
            batteries before their implementation?
            Answer provided by Kim Rawlings, Director Strategy and Environment
            Noosa Council, in partnership with Zero Emissions Noosa Inc. and Yarra Energy
            Foundation (YEF), have been awarded $500,000 to install a community battery in
            Noosaville. Pad mounted batteries of less that 15m2 are not categorised an
            assessable development under Schedule 6 of the Planning Regulation. In
            accordance with Noosa Council’s Risk Management and Opportunity Framework,
            the Community Battery Project has been subject to number of assessments to
            identify and assess the risks across the lifecycle of the battery deployment. These
            assessments have considered the technology, site assessments, planning and
            environment, safety, cost.