By Peter Begg

(DONWLOAD origional News Paper scan 85kb)

ANTI-fluoride campaigners claim more people have joined in their latest protest and are refusing to pay the water volume component of their Barwon Water bills as a form of protest.

Barwon Freedom from Fluoride held a meeting in Geelong West on Wednesday night to discuss the latest tactic in the long battle against fluoride.

Group spokesman David McRae said yesterday over 50 people attended the meeting and gave support to the individual citizens who were now refusing to pay the water volume component of their water bills to protest against enforced fluoridation.

“Many people expressed that they may soon join the water bill protest,” Mr McRae said.

“People are saying they do not want to pay for water that has been deliberately contaminated with a high level poison".

“About 10 people present at the meeting have withheld their payments since last June or July.

“Some have been harassed by Barwon Water’s legal firm Mendelsons, but have firmly told the debt collectors to back off as ‘this is a legitimate political protest’.

”Barwon Water’s general manager customers and communication Luisa Munoz said yesterday the authority followed a formal process for non-payment of bills as outlined in its Customer Charter.

“As a last resort, Barwon Water may take legal action and may restrict supply,” she said.

“Regarding alleged harassment, Barwon Water and its representatives follow a structured and respectful process. Barwon Water has not received any complaints of harassment.