Renewed calls for Far North leaders to tap into water fluoridation debate emerge ahead of meeting with Cairns councillors

A Far North health expert has urged councils to consider adding fluoride to their water supplies, citing its benefits in reducing decay in children’s teeth ahead of a key deputation in Cairns this week.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden declined an invitation to meet with Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) officials regarding water fluoridation last week. Picture: Brendan Radke

A Far North health expert has urged councils to consider adding fluoride to their water supplies, citing its benefits in reducing decay in children’s teeth ahead of a key deputation in Cairns this week.

Just two of the region’s 16 councils have fluoridated water, with the Cairns GP Group set to lobby Cairns Regional Council to consider introducing the health measure at a meeting with councillors on Wednesday.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service executive director of medical services

An unidentified young oral health patient from Far North Queensland who recently required surgery due to tooth decay. Picture: Supplied

Dr Marlow Coates said more than 150 major health organisations worldwide, including the World Health Organisation, supported water fluoridation.

“The evidence could not be clearer,” Dr Coates said.

“There is no doubt at all that having fluoride in drinking water supplies has proven to be a safe and efficient way to reduce tooth decay for the whole population.

“But Queensland is still lagging behind every other state and territory which have had more than 90 per cent of their populations with access to fluoride since the 1970s.’’

Just 26 of the Sunshine State’s 77 local government areas currently have fluoridated water supplies, with Queensland Health and University of Queensland partnering to undertake a study into the impact of water fluoridation on oral health.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service's Dr Marlow Coates.

Findings from the study are expected in early 2025 but Dr Coates said earlier research had already identified that youths in regional Queensland areas with fluoridated water had generally better oral health.

“The previous Queensland Child Oral Health Survey 2010-12 already has clearly

shown the benefits of water fluoridation,” he said.

“For instance, Townsville has had water fluoridation since 1964.

“The 2010-12 survey showed for children aged five to 10 years in Townsville, the average number of primary teeth affected by decay was 26-42 per cent lower compared to other regions of Queensland.

“And for children aged six to 14 years, the average number of permanent teeth affected by decay was 43-50 per cent lower in Townsville compared to other regions of Queensland.”

Dr Coates praised Cook Shire Council for keeping its water fluoridated despite facing strong opposition in 2012 when councils were given the ability to opt out of mandatory fluoridation.

“It is great that Cook Shire has continued to support adding fluoride as the benefits are so clear Australia-wide,” he said.

“Fluoride strengthens the enamel on teeth at all ages of life, thereby preventing decay and

reducing oral health illness.”

Cairns Regional Council’s division five councillor Rob Pyne says he hopes his contemporaries engage with the three doctors providing a deputation on water fluoridation on Wednesday. Picture: Brendan Radke

Division 5 councillor Rob Pyne said elected leaders should always seek expert advice to inform their decision making but conceded that wasn’t always the case.

“It’s really unfortunate that fluoride has become so politicised,” Mr Pyne said.

“If we came in with an open mind and listened to public health professionals, it’d be great.

“But I think some people have already made up their minds on this matter and that’s sad.

“You’d like to think councils would take health experts’ advice but I don’t think that’ll happen. Those who are against it are fanatical about it.”

The Cairns GP Group’s Drs Elizabeth Martin, Stephen Salleras and Lisa Fraser have been given 10 minutes to address Cairns councillors prior to an ordinary meeting this week.

Last week, mayor Amy Eden declined an offer from Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service experts to discuss the matter further.

TAPPED OUT: Far North councils with fluoridated water supplies

Cassowary Coast — No

Tablelands — No

Mareeba — No

Cairns — No

Yarrabah — No

Douglas — No

Hopevale — No

Cook — Yes

Wujal Wujal — No

Lockhart River — No

Pormpuraaw — No

Aurukun — No

Kowanyama — Naturally fluoridated water supply

Napranum — No

Northern Peninsula Area — No

Torres — No

Originally published as Renewed calls for Far North leaders to tap into water fluoridation debate emerge ahead of meeting with Cairns councillors