CAMPAIGNERS are considering legal action against Port Macquarie-Hastings Council as the introduction of fluoride into our water supply moves closer to inevitability.
Pending approval from the NSW Office of Water – likely to occur next week – the council’s fluoridation operation is expected to begin by early March. Two groups – Fluoridation Action Network Australia (FAN) and Citizens Against Fluoridation (CAF) – are determined to force the council to assume responsibility for the decision to fluoridate.
The groups also want the local government to hold a community poll on the issue at September's election.
Port News understands CAF plans to establish a fighting fund to help cover costs and will seek donations, should it pursue legal action.
The council maintains authorising fluoridation is a state government matter.
But FAN and CAF argue a legal precedent has been set in Ballina, in northern NSW.
The NSW Land and Environment Court ruled the shire council had failed to provide an assessment of the effects on both the environment and public health from the introduction of fluoride into the water supply there.
A second ruling is expected soon. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has not prepared an environmental impact study.
An injunction could yet block the fluoridation operation here, a FAN spokeswoman said.
Council administrator Neil Porter yesterday quashed suggestions he would authorise a poll on water supply fluoridation at this year's local government election.
He indicated he would not support an application for a poll at the election as fluoridation was to begin soon.
The council is scheduled to introduce fluoridation after it has fulfilled its duty to publicise the new measure through the media, the council's website, letters to households and brochures.
The administrator's clarification follows statements by local members of FAN that Mr Porter had supported their calls for a community poll.
A FAN media release last week stated: ”Local members of the Fluoride Action Network Australia are delighted that Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has responded positively to a request for a community poll on the issue.’’
FAN has responded to the administrator's statement, expressing disappointment at his refusal to consider a poll.
Dr Caree Alexander, FAN spokeswoman and a former dentist, confirmed the group would proceed with a petition for the poll.
"Clearly the health department is behind this sudden change of heart by [the] council.
"In legal terms, the addition of fluoride, incidentally sourced as a waste by-product of fertiliser manufacture, remains a question for council and its community to decide."
The council's statement said Mr Porter had discussed the process required to conduct such a poll on any issue with a community member.
But the subject of fluoridation had not been brought up in this discussion.
The administrator said: "The council has been directed by the NSW Minister of Health to fluoridate the Hastings water supply and conducting a poll on the issue is not appropriate given this direction."
Mr Porter said the costs involved in an independent person or organisation organising the poll would be "considerable".
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