Fluoride will no longer be added to the water in the Central Highlands Regional Council area. 

The council has scrapped its fluoride program, citing cost and personal choice, in a decision that reduces access to the proven tooth-strengthening chemical.

The council says healthcare is not its responsibility.

While the Australian Dental Association has long advocated for statewide access to fluoride, claiming it would alleviate dental care costs, the lack of mandated access remains a concern. 

Queensland's branch vice-president, Kelly Hennessy, highlights that fluoride reduces dental decay in adults by up to 25 per cent and in children by about 44 per cent. 

Currently, around 90 per cent of Australians have access to fluoridated water, while only 72 per cent of Queenslanders do.

The council's decision was partly driven by the $180,000 annual cost of adding fluoride to water treatment plants. 

General manager Jason Hoolihan also mentioned safety concerns associated with handling sodium fluoride powder.

Dr Hennessy argues that providing fluoride should be a state government responsibility since local councils lack the expertise to make informed decisions regarding public health dentistry. 

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has expressed her support for fluoride's dental health benefits but has not addressed the question of state responsibility.

Townsville remains the last major city outside of south-east Queensland to continue adding fluoride to its water, consistently reporting lower rates of dental decay in both children and adults.

In 2011, the Central Highlands introduced fluoride to water supplies, following a state mandate. However, in 2012, legislation shifted the decision-making power to local councils. 

Many councils, under pressure from the public and misinformation campaigns, opted to remove fluoride.