The site on the corner of Ryot Street and Worland Grove, opposite the Warrnambool Base Hospital, is designated residential but Planning Minister Matthew Guy has given permission for it to be changed to “public use zone 3 (health and community).

It follows consultation with the department of health, South West Healthcare, Warrnambool City Council, neighbouring residents and the community, with the planning amendment to be officially gazetted soon. Mr Guy said the rezoning means construction on the $30 million centre could start soon. 

“This new centre will make a huge difference for many people who currently have to travel for three-and-a-half hours for treatments in Melbourne,” he said.

“We have a growing and ageing population, so in the next few years it will become absolutely essential to provide significantly expanded cancer services closer to home.” The centre will be the result of state and federal funding, plus $5 million raised as part of Peter’s Project by the community. 

“There is strong support for this vital new health service and it’s in the community’s interest to progress these plans quickly so that the new centre can open in early 2017,” Mr Guy said.

mneal@fairfaxmedia.com.au