A PROPOSED cancer centre has received overwhelming support from the Ballarat community.
Earlier this month, Federal MHR Catherine King told The Courier a funding application had been submitted to the government to build a $55 million state-of-the-art cancer centre in Ballarat.
She urged people to get behind the project, which was developed by Ballarat Health Services, St John of God Hospital and Austin Health, in conjunction with the Victorian Government, as she said it was a competitive process.
The community has rallied behind the cause, with almost 30 letters, phone calls and e-mails over recent days in support of the project.
"I would classify this as a very positive response," Ms King said.
Letters of support have come from concerned residents highlighting the need for a cancer centre in Ballarat.
"It's unfair really that people have to travel to Geelong or elsewhere for their treatment. I hope you will be able to get the funding for this valuable asset to Ballarat," wrote Jenny.
"I want to write to thank you for your efforts to help establish a cancer centre in Ballarat," Helen wrote.
"Cancer can affect so many of us and it can be made more bearable in obvious ways - travelling only to one place so that you get to know people there and feel confident that information is available."
If the bid is successful, the centre would be at the Base Hospital and would include four radiotherapy bunkers and room to expand, if necessary.
The Committee for Ballarat has also written directly to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon.
The letter, signed by CEO Dr Doug Lloyd, outlined the issues that led to the proposal, "including the seriously low levels of support that presently exist for people in Ballarat and this region with respect to cancer treatment
services".
The letter read: "We are very confident that the proposal that has been developed jointly by Ballarat Health Services, St John of God Hospital Ballarat and Austin Health in conjunction with the Victorian Department of Health
will provide a pathway to the solution for each of the issues raised by the date we have described.
"We are also confident that the working relationship exists between the joint proponents, and their numerous supporters, provides a working agreement that will lead to better health outcomes for cancer patients in minimum time."
Ms King said it was terrific to have the backing of the Committee for Ballarat.
"It was an excellent, very detailed letter and I know the minister was interested to receive it," Ms King said.
"Nicola told me that Ballarat people have also taken the opportunity to email her directly.
"As I have said, we have put in a very good application but this is a competitive process and to get such tangible community support will certainly help."
Messages of support can be sent to Catherine.King.MP@aph.gov.au or to Minister Roxon on Nicola.Roxon.MP@aph.gov.au.
Let ters can also be sent to Ms King's electorate office at 5 Lydiard St Nth, Ballarat, 3350.
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