Noosa councillors briefed in private water fluoride workshop

Noosa councillors have been briefed over the controversial fluoride debate, with a private workshop featuring health experts and those opposed to the fluoridation of drinking water supply.

Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie. Picture: Iwan Jones

Noosa councillors have been briefed over the controversial fluoride debate, with a workshop featuring both health experts and those opposed to the fluoridation of drinking water supply.

A Noose Council spokesman said councillors were briefed on Thursday, December, 19, regarding the fluoridation of drinking water by a number of representatives.

It is understood the representatives who attended the council workshop included health experts as well as those opposed to the inclusion of fluoride in the region’s water supply.

The briefing was held behind closed doors and not open to the general public.

Unitywater currently supplies the Noosa region, along with neighbouring local government areas, such as the Sunshine Coast.

A Unitywater spokesman said the Noosa region, along with the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay, opted to add fluoride into drinking water.

The inclusion of the tooth-strengthening mineral in drinking water remains the independent decision of local councils.

Queensland Health data shows about 72 per cent of the state’s residents receive fluoridated water as of November, 2024.

Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie said councillors would need to weigh up any changes made to the fluoridation of region’s drinking water, with the briefing offering the opportunity for councillors to ask questions about the issue.

“Councillors are committed to further discussions on the matter, but as we are part of a single water supplier, it’s important to take into account other local governments serviced by Unitywater and weigh that up,” Mr Wilkie said.

The possibility of a looming fluoride debate in Noosa comes as other local government areas in Queensland face growing pressure to have their drinking water fluoridated.

However, a recent motion to fluoridate drinking water in Cairns was rejected by the Cairns Regional Council last week.