The speakers confirmed that fluoride is indeed good for teeth - but is most effective when applied topically directly to the teeth and much less effective when ingested. They also pointed out that when it's added to the drinking water supply it is impossible to monitor or regulate the dosages that people are ingesting. It seems that there are few studies of the long-term effects of ingested fluoride. And what evidence there is of the benefits and risks is contradictory. What is clear is that fluoride can and does cause fluorosis - a cosmetic discolouration of  permanent teeth - in some individuals.

I have to admit that I am now uncertain about the role of fluoride in drinking water. I can't be certain that it's completely safe for all who drink it. I am certain that it can damage the appearance of teeth. This contentious decision, to fluoridate or not, is not one which I want any government making on my behalf. Even the risk of cosmetic damage is a decision I couldn't make on anyone else's behalf and don't want it made on mine.

Lastly, if we are truly concerned about the state of children's teeth surely we should be investing in educating parents and children about nutrition and oral hygiene, and providing affordable dental care. Now there's an idea.

Jo Dodds, Bega 

With reference to the article on page 2 of MNW, July 27 ‘Bega Valley has land shortage’, after reading this article we at Potoroo Palace Native Animal Sanctuary feel very sad that the leaving of a flourishing natural community of Australian native plants and animals, has been referred to as “sterilising”.

It seems bizarre that our perceptions of things have become so distorted that houses and pavements are now considered a natural and unsterile alternative.

In the words of well-known artist Joni Mitchell “they paved paradise and put up a parking lot.”

Our region is known as the Wilderness Coast, so let us keep our wilderness and use already degraded land for the expansion of suburbia.

Potoroo Palace staff 

Fantastic news that Aldi is coming to Merimbula, the end of outrageous supermarket prices is nigh.

We moved to Merimbula from Katoomba in the Blue Mountains about two years ago where a similar supermarket monopoly dominated business in the town and were stunned by the increase in our cost of living.

In Katoomba of the1990s Coles/Kmart was the business whose influence was such that 80 per cent of the shops on the main street were empty. Katoomba was reputed to be the most expensive Coles/Kmart and Liquorland in the state.

It turned out that in the 2000s, however that Woolies had acquired the site of the Coles store so Coles were forced to re-locate to another building close by. Soon after this bit of excitement, a Dan Murphys  [Woolies] opened up to compete with Liquorland (Coles). Meantime Aldi arrived and this was the start of real competition.  

So what was the effect of all these new choices on other businesses in Katoomba?

In short, the town thrived. Katoomba is now the shopping destination for all the surrounding areas.

More choices equal more customers not only for the supermarkets but also for all the cafes and speciality shops in the vicinity.

More power to you Aldi ,we are looking forward to your opening day. It can’t happen too soon.

Rob Corlett, Merimbula