Wannon MP David Hawker spoke in the House of Representatives this week, criticising the federal government for delaying the licensing of an MRI service.

"We have reached the point where it seems almost ridiculous that the minister continues to procrastinate on the granting of an MRI licence in Warrnambool, despite a number of delegations to talk to her," he said.

"There is no (service) between Ballarat, Geelong and Adelaide, so the whole of western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia does not have an MRI machine.

"Not having an MRI in this day and age is equivalent to a doctor not having a stethoscope."

Mr Hawker told parliament the petition was evidence that there was strong support from the region's medical professionals.

The petition was organised by Wannon Liberal candidate Daniel Tehan and signed by practitioners including Warrnambool oncologist Terri Hayes, Otway Division of General Practice director Dale Ford and Warrnambool haematologist-oncologist John Hounsell.

"We already have two extremely competent oncologists in Warrnambool, both of whom would find an MRI machine greatly advantageous," Mr Hawker said.

"As would patients in the region who would no longer have to travel at great expense to have an MRI scan.

"This petition is just the first step in getting a cancer treatment centre in Warrnambool. We have a very active group running Peter's Project, led by Vicki Jellie. The whole community is behind this push."