Port Macquarie/ Hastings Council has resolved to delay further discussion on a community poll on fluoridation of the Port Macquarie-Hastings water supply until after the Local Government Elections, with the decision to be determined by the newly elected Council.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council General Manager Tony Hayward said while it was important to gauge community opinion on fluoridation of the town’s water supply, the poll must be held at an appropriate time.
A new Council will be elected to replace the current Administrator at the Local Government Election in September 2012.
“Having not had an elected Council for more than four years, it may be considered inappropriate to table what might be deemed a significant issue for the newly elected Council to manage,” Mr Hayward said.
“It is more appropriate for the newly elected incoming Council to consider the issue and determine whether a community poll is required.”
Mr Hayward advised that a poll can be scheduled outside of the Local Government Election.
“Even taking into consideration that the costs associated with running a poll at a later date will be greater, it is a more appropriate course of action for the newly elected Council to determine whether a community poll is necessary,” Mr Hayward said.
Construction of the $1.78 million fluoridation plant at Wauchope was completed in late 2011 following a directive by the NSW Ministry of Health to Council in 2004 to fluoridate the Hastings district water supply. Fluoridation of the water supply commenced in February 2012.
Council Administrator Neil Porter has previously advised the community that Council will not support the conduct of a poll in conjunction with the September elections.
