The Midfield Meat managing director has thrown his support behind Peter's Project, along with several other of the region's business figures.

Mr McKenna told The Standard that federal and state election candidates would have to work hard to campaign for the centre when they chase south-west votes later this year.

"Community pressure is the key if Peter's Project is to succeed," he said.

"People need to make the cancer care centre a key issue in this upcoming election. They need to vote with their feet, they need to tell those in power that the south-west needs this facility and that they're not prepared to wait five, 10, whatever years.

"I'm not making this party political. I just want people in this area to make some noise about so we can get the ball rolling."

Mr McKenna's comments come after The Standard officially endorsed Peter's Project, a community-led push to bring integrated cancer services to south-west Victoria.

Those wishing to throw their support behind the cause are advised to go to the campaign website: www.petersproject.org.au

Peter's Project is named in honour of Peter Jellie, a former livestock procurement officer at Midfield Meat who died from oesophagus cancer two years ago.

His widow Vicki, along with south-west business, health and community leaders, formed Peter's Project to campaign for a $30 million centre based in Warrnambool to service the region.

"I knew Peter Jellie well," Mr McKenna said.

" He wasn't just an employee, he was a friend of mine. But there are more people still suffering out there, that have to travel a bloody long way for cancer treatment which isn't right and the government knows it."

The Standard revealed in a special edition on Saturday that more than 300 new cancer patients each year have to travel to Geelong, Ballarat and Melbourne to receive cancer treatment.

Warrnambool oncologist Terri Hayes said the city was the only regional centre to have oncologists practising in the city without a cancer care centre.