Wednesday, April 9, 2014
FLUORIDE TO BENEFIT DENTAL HEALTH IN MARYBOROUGH AREA
Drinking water in Maryborough is to be fluoridated, Victoria’s deputy Chief Health Officer, Dr Michael Ackland said today.
“The dental health benefits of fluoridated water supplies are proven – its use has been validated by medical and scientific research,” Dr Ackland said.
“Research from Australia’s peak health research and advice body, the National Health and Medical Research Council, confirms that fluoridation of drinking water remains the most effective and socially equitable way of providing all community members with the benefits of fluoride.
Currently 90 per cent of Victorians drink water with either naturally occurring or added fluoride. Melbourne and some regional centres have had fluoridated drinking water for more than 30 years.
The introduction of water fluoridation throughout remaining non-fluoridated centres such as Maryboroughis a vital step towards improving the oral health of all Victorians.
A fluoridation plant will be built at the Maryborough Water Treatment Plant. Locations that will receive the benefits of water fluoridation will be Adelaide Lead, Alma, Bet Bet, Betley, Bowenvale, Carisbrook, Craigie, Daisy Hill, Flagstaff, Golden Point, Havelock, Majorca, Maryborough, Moonlight Flat, Rodborough, Simson, Talbot, Timor and Timor West.
Central Highlands Water has been requested by the Secretary of the Department of Health to fluoridate the drinking water supply for Maryborough and surrounding areas.Fluoridation is expected to begin in late 2014 or early next year once the plant has been constructed and commissioned.
In Maryborough water fluoridation is supported by the Maryborough District Health Service, the Loddon-Mallee Regional Oral Health Committee and the Central Goldfields Shire.
More broadly water fluoridation is supported by leading international and national organisations including the World Health Organisation, the National Health Medical Research Council, the Australian Dental Association and Australian Medical Association.
Dr Ackland said water fluoridation is safe and effective and helps protect everybody’s teeth against decay regardless of age, gender, income or education levels.
“In particular, children who live in fluoridated areas of Victoria experience considerably less decay than those in non-fluoridated areas,” he said.
“Residents of Maryborough are encouraged to seek further information from their dentist, GP, pharmacist or maternal and child health nurse or through a special toll free information line.”
The communities will be kept informed about timing and further information is available by calling 1800 651 723. Additional information about fluoridation is available at
Media inquiries:Graeme Walker. Health Department Media Unit 9096 7296; 0409 237 543.