But recently his views on the issue have become personal.

The former Warrnambool city manager has been recuperating after recent surgery in Geelong to eradicate his prostate cancer.

Mr Robson told The Standard yesterday he was relieved that his operation had been a success but was now more determined than ever to see a cancer care centre up-and-running in the region.

The Peter's Project committee member said south-west shires should unite to ensure radiotherapy and related services were secured for the region's cancer patients.

"I'm not a special case, everyone is touched by cancer either directly or indirectly through family and friends," Mr Robson said.

"All the shire councils in the region should support this campaign through both political and financial means.

"There is no point and little prospect of having one cancer care centre in Portland, another in Hamilton, another in Camperdown; there needs to be one centrally-located in Warrnambool that can provide a high standard of treatment to patients from across the district.

"When I was city manager, Warrnambool City Council made a one-off $300,000 contribution towards St John of God Hospital for the construction of a new hospital building.

"If a council contribution was not made, I doubt that facility would be there today."

Following a routine medical check-up in February, Mr Robson undertook a standard blood test which showed a PSA anomaly.

He was referred to a specialist and later received a biopsy at Geelong's St John of God Hospital which revealed prostate cancer.

Mr Robson had his prostate surgically removed on March 31 and has since been recovering from the operation at home.

"I was fortunate in that it was detected early and was able to have a biopsy rather than enduring radiotherapy," he said.

"The operation was a success and my prognosis is good but there are patients in our city and the wider region who have to endure weeks of radiotherapy away from home."

Mr Robson was hopeful recent media coverage of the plight of south-west cancer patients would highlight the need for a cancer care centre.

"A facility could be built tomorrow by local investors but it would be a white elephant without proper support and funding from all levels of government," he said.

asinnott@standard.fairfa x.com.au