Murray Shire Fluoridation
As Mayor of Murray Shire Council, I wish to clarify the events surrounding the Council's decision and proposed implementation of fluoridation to the Moama and Mathoura water supplies.
Council first considered this issue when the Moama Public School advised that there was a "worrying rate of tooth decay in our young students" in May 2006 as a result of the Greater Southern Area Health Service (GSAHS) dental therapist inspecting the children's teeth.
On a recommendation of Council's Director of Engineering Services, Council resolved to ask for the support of other councils in the region to seek legislative change to require water authorities to provide fluoride in potable water supplies.
Council again considered the matter at its meeting on 16 January 2007, following consideration of a letter from the Shires Association of NSW which outlined its policy position on water fluoridation, which in effect, strongly encouraged Council's to fluoridate its public water supplies. A motion was subsequently moved from the floor and Council resolved to proceed with fluoridation. The voting at that meeting was five (5) to three (3) in favour of fluoridation.
Council subsequently wrote to the NSW Department of Health and on 23 May 2008, Council was advised by the Centre of Oral Health Safety Strategy that approval was granted for this proposal for both Moama and Mathoura.
The decision of Council was commended by NSW Health.
At the time of Council's decision in 2007, there was information published in the local press and an article was included in Council's Enterprise Magazine, which is distributed to all residents and ratepayers in the Shire. Council received minimal feedback on the proposal.
Water fluoridation is recommended by national and international medical and scientific organisations, inlcuding the World Health Organisation, the Australian Medical Association and the Australian Dental Association. It remains a safe, effective and important means of improving the dental health of the community. The nearby communities of Echuca and Deniliquin both add fluoride to their respective water supplies. Echuca has had fluoride for in excess of 25 years and Deniliquin has had fluoride since 2004. The fluoride is added at a ratio of 1 part per million.
It is anticipated that the installation of the fluoride will be completed towards the end of the year. Prior to its introduction, Council will conduct an information evening to explain the method, controls and monitoring of the fluoride, as well as the alternatives available and other issues relating to the proposal. An expert on fluoridation will also speak on the subject.
It is acknowledged there is opposition to the introduction of fluoride. However, there are clear benefits associated with water fluoridation.
I look forward to seeing residents at the information forum later in the year.
Cr Brian Sharp, Mayor
Contact details
Frederik Groenewald, Services Engineer
Tel: 03 5884 3400
Fax: 03 5884 3417
serviceseng@murray.nsw.gov.au
