SOUTH-WEST federal and state MPs have vowed to increase their efforts to fight for a locally-based cancer service after our region was snubbed by the federal government.
Hopes for a dedicated south-west cancer centre were dampened this week when the federal government rejected Warrnambool's funding application for $200,000 for a feasibility study into the centre.
Member for South West Coast Denis Napthine and Member for Wannon David Hawker have both said they would push for state and federal government funding support.
It has emerged that Warrnambool’s application for a share in the $560 million announced by Health Minister Nicola Roxon was deemed “non-compliant”.
The Warrnambool funding application had been submitted in December under the steam of a city community group which has been pushing for a specialist care centre.
Peter’s Project, inspired by Warrnambool resident, Peter Jellie, who recognised a need for a centre during his own battle with cancer, has a number of representatives from the business, medical and general community including Mr Jellie’s widow, Vicki.
The group has expressed disappointment at the decision but said they would continue the fight to realise Mr Jellies’ dream.
Dr Napthine said that he was angry, frustrated and bitterly disappointed that the federal government had allocated large amounts of money for cancer services to other regions but had completely ignored the modest request for funding in the south-west.
“However, this is only a minor setback,” he said.
“There is no doubt the case for locally-based MRI and Radiotherapy services is overwhelming and I will redouble my efforts to convince both state and federal governments of the need for an integrated cancer care centre in Warrnambool.
“People across south-west Victoria will recall the tough fight our community had to gain the emergency helicopter service.
“Time and time again Melbourne-based governments said the emergency helicopter was not warranted. Now the same Labor politicians are praising its life-saving efforts.”
Mr Hawker said he had written to Health Minister Nicola Roxon to express his “extreme disappointment” at her department’s rejection of funding for a study into establishing a regional cancer centre in Warrnambool.
“It is a particularly difficult blow for Vicki Jellie who has organised such strong support for the Peter’s Project Campaign, in memory of her husband Peter,” said Mr Hawker.
“The federal government has allocated $560 million to fund cancer services in regional Australia, yet it could not afford $200,000 for a feasibility study into providing the South West with the basic cancer services it so desperately needs.”
Dr Napthine said that the community was “ready, willing and very able” to take up the fight for locally-based cancer services.
“We know that it is unfair on local people and their families that they are forced to travel to Geelong, Ballarat or Melbourne for basic and essential MRI diagnostic services,” he said.
Ballarat has received $55 million for a cancer care centre, with $42 million to come from Canberra and $13 million from the state government.
Gippsland also received $23.5 million.
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