Snowy Monaro Regional Council will undertake a survey of the Bombala community to ascertain its views on re-introducing fluoride to the town’s water supply.

At its September meeting, council resolved to ask residents for feedback before re-adding fluoride to the water supply.

During debate on the issue, council’s chief executive officer, Noreen Vu, said she had concerns about conducting a survey where its results would be unlikely to change NSW Health’s position on fluoride in water supplies.

“In my opinion the survey wouldn’t change the legislation,” Ms Vu said.

The report before council stated ‘under the Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies Act 1957 the Secretary of the Department of Health is the only person with the authority to authorise the commencement or discontinue fluoridation of a municipal water supply in NSW’.

‘Under the funding agreement for the construction of the Bombala water treatment plant all necessary infrastructure to fluoridate the water supply was installed’.

‘Final commissioning approvals are being completed and commencement of fluoridation as per the requirements of the Act are imminent.’

Councillors debated the merits of undertaking the survey. Councillors Reuben Rose, Luke Williamson, Narelle Davis and Bob Stewart spoke in favour of giving the community a say and taking the findings to the Secretary of Department of Health.

Cr John Rooney spoke against the survey, saying council did not need to spend money on something it does not have the authority to change.

Cr Stewart said an obligation was made to the Bombala community to complete a survey and it should be honoured.

“If the community shows a high concern about fluoride in the water, NSW Health might decided to say they won’t proceed down that path,” Cr Stewart said.

Council had previously supported a resolution to undertake the survey.

The survey is expected to cost around $10,000.

Councillors voting in favour of the survey were: Cr Chris Hanna, Reuben Rose, Bob Stewart, Luke Williamson, Narelle Davis, and Nick Elliott.

Councillors voting against the survey were: Cr John Rooney, Tricia Hopkins, Lynda Summers and Tanya Higgins.