A WA Liberal Government will deliver the $25 million radiation oncology service for Geraldton, finally giving the Midwest community access to local cancer treatment.
“We will deliver $16 million out of our Regional Health Development Initiative to put an end to the games and give the Midwest community the cancer services they deserve,” said Libby Mettam, WA Liberal Leader.
“A radiation oncology service for Geraldton has been a political football for too long.
“Labor’s contempt for regional WA cannot be more obvious than when it comes to playing games with treatment for cancer patients.
According to the WA Government’s business case in 2019, the project was initially expected to cost $19 million, but due to Labor’s delays and inaction, the project is now forecast to cost $25 million.
“Melissa Price delivered $9 million of critical Federal funding back in 2019, but WA Labor was too incompetent to deliver the project, which has seen costs increase,” said Ms Mettam.
“Now state and federal Labor are bickering amongst themselves about who needs to make up the shortfall.
“We will stop making excuses, live up to WA’s end of the bargain, and deliver Geraldton the radiation oncology services they so desperately deserve.”
As identified in a letter from Federal Health Minister Mark Butler to WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson, which was obtained through Questions on Notice, the business scope identified the need for a new building of just over one thousand square meters comprising the functional areas of:
• Main entry area/reception;
• Consultation space;
• Simulation and Planning Room with Computed Tomography;
• Linear Accelerator bunker and treatment spaces;
• Patient holding and recovery areas; and
• Staff and support areas.
“At the moment, Geraldton locals who need cancer radiation treatment have to travel to Perth,” said Tim Milnes, WA Liberal Candidate for Geraldton.
“That means five hours each way in the car, or regular flights – either way that is far too expensive and is both emotionally and physically exhausting for both cancer patients and their families.
“Fuel, overnight accommodation, missed work, and meals can add up, putting a significant financial burden on cancer patients and their families.
“Geraldton is the third largest city in Western Australia – locals in the Midwest deserve access to this basic treatment,” said Mr Milnes.
"This is a fantastic outcome for Geraldton and the whole Midwest region,” said the Hon Melissa Price MP, Federal Member for Durack. “I am so proud to have been part of the Federal Liberal Government which promised and delivered the first part of this funding and am pleased that a WA Liberal Government will deliver the rest." “This funding commitment is the very least of what our region deserves. Labor's continuous political games with cancer patients in the Midwest is over.
“Roger Cook’s priorities are all wrong - while Perth gets a $13 billion train line, we don’t even have radiation oncology in the Midwest,” said Ms Mettam.
“This will benefit patients from communities like Carnarvon, Shark Bay, Mount Magnet, Morawa and all those in-between who will now have better options for treatment closer to home.
“Cancer patients respond to treatment and recover best when supported by a strong family network, but the distance from Geraldton to Perth separates families at the worst possible time.
“As a Mum who grew up in Geraldton, I know the importance of getting good quality healthcare close to home.”
