$80K feasibility study to determine whether Mount Gambier will receive a dedicated radiation treatment centre
The state government has placed a hold on diverting $4.3m of federal money from a potential South East radiation treatment centre as it awaits the results of an $80,000 feasibility study.
Mount Gambier
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The state government has pressed pause on its decision to divert $4.3m of federally funding from establishing a local radiation treatment centre in Mount Gambier.
The Limestone Coast Local Health Network will be running a $80,000 feasibility study to assess the business case of a local service.
Pressure has been mounting to see the local service established with the Limestone Coast Radiation Treatment Working Group collecting more than 12,000 signatures on a petition in favour of establishing a facility in Mount Gambier.
The petition, which will be presented to parliament next month will trigger the Legislative Review Committee, who are required to investigate the matter and report back to both houses.
Laurie Dacy, a member of the working group, said meetings held with the LCLHN had been productive.
“The most important thing that came out of it is we’ve gone from a flat out no — to a feasibility study,” he said.
“We’re hoping that’ll get us across the line with all the levels of government.”
However, Mr Dacy said he hoped that “real results” would eventuate from the study.
“We want feedback on what they’re uncovering. We don’t want it to be a stalling exercise,” he said.
In February the government confirmed designs for a “Integrated Cancer Consult Suite” were already underway, with construction previously expected to start in early 2024.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin, who has been a staunch advocate for a Mount Gambier radiation treatment centre, said the pause gave residents an opportunity to see the federal funding used for its intended purpose.
“Without this funding it’s highly unlikely that local services will be viable,” Mr Pasin said.
“To take this funding and spend it on consulting suites is effectively closing the door on the potential for local services in the near future.
“The concept is simply not viable without federal government funding to support the capital infrastructure costs.”
Mr Pasin said though he’s not opposed to a feasibility study, he’s been in politics long enough to “read between the lines”.
“I’ve seen plenty of studies undertaken to kill off a project,” he said.
“Over 12,000 people in the Limestone Coast agree that radiation treatment is needed and they didn’t require time consuming and costly feasibility study to tell them that.”
Health Minister Chris Picton said he wanted to work with the local health network to bring about improved services to the region.
“The Limestone Coast Local Health Network Board is currently considering any new information to be put forward by the initial tenderer and I look forward to their consideration on this matter shortly,” he said.
A spokesperson from The LCLHN issued a brief statement but did not answer any direct questions that were put to them.
“We understand there is high community interest in radiation services within the Limestone Coast but are unable to comment on these matters while discussions are ongoing,” a spokesperson said.
“A meeting with our Board is scheduled soon, and we will continue to work with Commonwealth and State Governments to urgently discuss the future of cancer services in Mount Gambier and surrounds.
“We will share more with the community as soon as it is appropriate.”
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