Opponents to the ongoing fluoridation of Cooktown’s water supply have been a visible presence speaking to community members at the town’s Saturday market. Photo: Supplied.
The terms of reference for consultation about the ongoing fluoridation of Cooktown’s water supply will be unveiled at next month’s council meeting, but one community group opposed to the practice says it will not accept an “outside, unknown entity” undertaking stakeholder engagement.
Cook Shire Council announced last week a report outlining the terms of reference and strategy it is proposing for the consultation will be presented at its next ordinary meeting on 17 December.
Once the terms of reference are endorsed by elected members, the council will then call for tenders for a suitable proponent to be appointed to undertake the consultation process, which is anticipated to commence in early 2025.
However, the Cook Shire Ratepayers and Residents Association (CSRRA), which has been the most vocal community group opposing the continued fluoridation of the town’s water, says it does not believe an external consultant is the answer, instead pointing the finger at councillors to make a decision and “work for their wages and constituents”.
“CSRRA is opposed to engaging an outside unknown entity to undertake consultation,” CSRRA secretary and spokesperson Toni Leigh told Cape York Weekly.
“We are concerned this is Cook Shire Council, once again, kicking the can down the road and councillors absolving themselves of their responsibility; this extra cost to ratepayers appears to be shifting the decision from the elected, paid councillors, who have the responsibility and duty to make an informed decision.
“They should do their own research – work for their wages and constituents.”
Last month, the group said it welcomed the council’s decision to reopen the fluoridation debate and would “enthusiastically wait for the information as presented to be reviewed”, but said in an email response to questions on 22 November it was now completely opposed to the mineral being added to Cooktown’s water supply.
“CSRRA’s position is that fluoride be removed from our water supply,” Ms Leigh said.
“We oppose all mass medication denying choice and informed consent; CSRRA considers adding fluoride chemicals to town reticulated water supply to be a human rights issue.”
Chief executive officer Brian Joiner said the council was committed to ensuring every member of the community had an opportunity to have their opinion on fluoridation heard during the consultation process.
“Our role is to provide a structured and unbiased consultation process, ensuring every community member has an opportunity to contribute their perspective,” he said.
The sentiment was echoed by Mayor Robyn Holmes, who said she believed the approach outlined in the terms of reference meant “the final decision will reflect the views and concerns of our entire community, not individual preferences”.
