It is expected to be standing room only in the Cook Shire Council chamber public gallery on 25 February when elected members vote on the future of fluoride in the Cooktown water supply. Photo: Supplied.
All eyes will be on the Cook Shire Council chamber on Tuesday morning when elected members vote on the fate of fluoride in the Cooktown water supply.
After four months of at-times heated public debate from both sides of the fence, the seven councillors will have their say on whether fluoridation continues, or whether the mineral is removed.
The meeting will commence at 9am on 25 February and include deputations from Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, and the Cook Shire Ratepayers and Residents Association, with the latter group being one of the most vocal opponents to having fluoride added to Cooktown’s water.
In a report to the council published online in the meeting agenda on 21 February, chief executive officer Brian Joiner recommended “[t]hat council resolves to continue with fluoridation of the Cooktown water supply”.
“As council officers have no conflicting information and no contrary or new advice from the Department of Health, an officer recommendation can only be made to continue with fluoridation of the Cooktown water supply as the status quo,” the report reads.
The majority of elected members have kept their cards close to their chest regarding which way they will vote in the lead-up to the meeting, with one, who spoke to Cape York Weekly on the condition of anonymity, said they had “no idea” what the outcome would be.
“I really don’t know what way it’s going to go – I have no idea,” they said.
“Everyone’s been doing their own research … so I’m confident whatever decision’s made will be done so with the good of the community in mind.”
