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ACADEMY APPLAUDS QUEENSLAND FLUORIDE DECISION
14 December 2007

The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the decision by the Queensland government to commit to water fluoridation for the state.

The Academy is pleased that 80 per cent of Queenslanders will be drinking fluoridated water within two years, growing to 95 per cent by 2012. Less than 5 per cent of Queensland’s water is currently fluoridated, which is substantially lower than the other states.

The Queensland government’s commitment to fully fund the $35 million capital costs of the program is particularly welcomed by the Academy.

Academy President Professor Kurt Lambeck said of the decision: ‘This action, which is expected to lead to significantly reduced tooth decay rates in children, has been overdue for many years.’

The health benefits to Queenslanders for this and future generations will far outweigh the expected $2 increase in annual council water rates per person.’

The Academy is also pleased that water fluoridation will include indigenous communities and will contribute in a real way to increasing indigenous health in the state.

The Academy of Science wishes Premier Bligh and the Queensland government success in raising the standard of dental health care in Queensland.

Media contact: Richard Bray, 0416 331 821, Ph: 6201 9452, richard.bray@science.org.au