Lifesaving radiation oncology services will arrive in the Great Southern for the first time with BGC Construction Pty Ltd awarded the contract to deliver forward works on the Albany radiation oncology project.
A vital step in establishing the service, the forward works package will ensure the complex machinery is safely housed to protect patients, visitors and staff from radiation exposure.
It will also see improvements to parking and vehicle access at Albany Health Campus and include vital site preparations.
Generating 50 local jobs for the Great Southern region, the current project programme indicates BGC Construction should meet practical completion of the forward works before the end of the financial year.
It is expected the lifesaving service will be up and running in the second half of 2022 following the completion of main works and operational commissioning.
Cancer is the leading cause of disease burden in Western Australia.
When it is operational, the Albany service will annually save 300 Great Southern cancer patients from making the long road trip to Perth or Bunbury for regular radiotherapy.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"Today the McGowan Government is one step closer to delivering lifesaving radiation oncology services to the Great Southern for the first time.
"The award of the forward works package can't be understated - this represents a vital step in ensuring we can get this important service up and running in a safe and timely manner.
"This project also builds upon the WA Country Health Service's Cancer Strategy 2017-22."
As stated by Albany MLA Peter Watson:
"I'm very excited that groundworks will start next month, and importantly we expect at least 50 local jobs will be generated in the process.
"This not only delivers on our commitment to job creation, but delivers important health care close to home."
