Dubbo's highly anticipated $35 million cancer treatment centre has been officially opened, giving residents in Western New South Wales better access to critical healthcare services closer to home.
The Australian Government provided $25 million for the state-of-the-art facility, with the NSW Government contributing $10 million.
The Western Cancer Centre welcomed its first patients in September last year, with a number of services moving into the facility at Dubbo Hospital since then.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said locals now have improved access to the health services they need and deserve.
"The Nationals and Liberals stand behind regional Australia," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"We are committed to providing regional Australians with the same services and opportunities that are readily available in capital cities and the Western Centre Centre shows that we are getting the job done.
"This facility provides services that haven't been accessible in the region before, includng medical oncology, radiation therapy and PET/CT diagnostic scans.
"These enhanced care services will reduce costs and stress for patients, ensuring they can receive the care they need closer to home."
NSW Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the new facility will ensure the people of Western NSW can access the health services they need where they need them.
"The Western Cancer Centre Dubbo includes 16 chemotherapy spaces doubling the previous capacity, as well as new consultation rooms and a wellness space that provides best-practice support and wellbeing services to patients and their families," Minister Taylor said.
"This is a once-in-a-generation health infrastructure project for Western NSW, delivering the latest treatment and diagnostic services for the region.
"The NSW Government is committed to improving health outcomes across rural and regional NSW, and this major infrastructure project ensures the people of Western NSW are not being left behind when it comes to the healthcare they need and deserve."
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the official opening of the project marks a historic milestone for the Dubbo community and wider region, after construction wrapped up late last year.
"The Western Cancer Centre is something I've passionately fought for since 2016 and I'm thrilled to see this critical project already benefitting the community in life-changing ways," Mr Coulton said.
"It will not only benefit families throughout the western region but will be utilised by people right across my electorate and regional NSW.
"Importantly, the centre has the ability to keep up with projected increase in demand for services as our population ages and incidences of cancer increases. This is an investment for the future."
NSW Minister for Western New South Wales and Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said there is no doubt this investment will lead to better outcomes for cancer patients across Western NSW.
"Fighting cancer is hard enough without having to be torn away from your support network, not to mention the financial strain of travel, accommodation and time off work," Mr Saunders said.
"This centre is already making a monumental difference for patients and their families, who can now undergo life-saving treatment much closer to home.
"I commend all the community members who lobbied hard for this investment. I'm so proud we've been able to bring your vision to life."
The project supported 500 jobs during construction and has created around 70 ongoing jobs, delivering an important economic boost to the region.
