Debra Walz (Felicity Dale on Behalf Of)

DEBRA WALZ (FELICITY DALE ON BEHALF OF) Question 1. The "Say No to Fluoride" petition was tabled at the Ordinary Council Meeting in December 2023 and is yet to be actioned by the CEO. Several reasons provided for delaying this action have been given. However, the community wishes to move forward on this important issue and suggests an information session be held with Councillors on the pros and cons of consuming fluoridated drinking water. Would Councillors be open to attending such a session? Response provided by Richard MacGillivray, Director Planning & Regulation The petition received by Council on 14 December 2023 and tabled at the December Ordinary meeting was referred by the (then) Acting CEO to the appropriate Council Officers for response. Staff apologise for the delay with providing a response but as you may appreciate the broad scope of the petition requires Council to diligently investigate the matter involving seeking technical advice from Seqwater (The Queensland Government Bulk Water Supply Authority for the Noosa region) and Unitywater who undertake water distribution services to the residents of Noosa. We anticipate a response will be provided to the petition in the near future. In terms of your request to provide an information session to Councillors, I will leave this decision for Councillors to directly consider upon request, however I would advise that Council continues to rely on the Australian Government’s National Health and Medical Research Council statement on Water Fluoridation and Human Health in Australia (2017) as the principal source of credible public health information. Fluoridation is also supported by peak health bodies including the Australian Dental Association, the Australian Medical Association and the World Health Organisation. Question 2. Will Council consider abolishing dog renewal registration fees and associated late payment penalties in favour of introducing one lifelong dog registration fee for residents which is a realistic amount and one that reflects Council expenditure on services provided for dog owners? Response provided by Richard MacGillivray, Director Planning & Regulation The registration of domestic dogs is a requirement under Queensland law (the Animal Management Cats and Dogs Act 2008 (the Act)). I acknowledge that Council’s in other States do have lifelong dog registrations however dog registration under the Act in Queensland does not allow for lifetime registration. It’s important to highlight that registering your dog helps the council provide essential animal management services. These services include managing aggressive and barking dogs, responding to and investigating dog attacks, providing pound facilities, reuniting lost dogs with their owners, and maintaining off-leash areas, litter bins, and doggie bags where needed.