Even if Nowra does not get the nod as expected, Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has announced his plans to ensure a full cancer care centre was provided to the region.

However, Gilmore MP Joanna Gash would not be drawn on whether this would mean cancelling and reallocating a cancer care centre promised to another part of the state.

She said the Shoalhaven was chosen because of its proven need, which was spelt out in the submission made to the Commonwealth as the region pushed for a slice of the $560 million pie.

Mrs Gash also said it was common for governments to change priorities and projects listed by previous governments following an election.

At an afternoon tea with community representatives in Nowra on Friday, Mr Abbott told the packed gathering he would continue his commitment to cancer care in the Shoalhaven.

“There is currently $568 million in a government program designed to produce better regional cancer services, and I pledge to you and to your local member Jo Gash today, that the next Coalition government will ensure that there is a cancer care centre here at Shoalhaven Hospital,” Mr Abbott said.

“Lest anyone think that this is some kind of idea that Jo and I have just dreamt up because there is an election coming up in the next six months, I do remind you that at the last election I did promise $3 million towards that linear accelerator.

“There is no more important issue than health and hospitals in a community – particularly a community which is growing in size and also not as young as it used to be – there is no more important issue than health and hospitals and I want you to know that your health and your hospitals are safe with the next Coalition government,” he said.

Mrs Gash said the announcement was “great news”.

“The community has worked very hard since 2004 to push for cancer treatment facilities in the Shoalhaven and has raised an extraordinary amount of money for the cause,” Mrs Gash pointed out.

“Cancer sufferers are forced to travel a minimum of three hours per day, often by their own vehicle, for treatment, and when the Wollongong machine is overcrowded or broken down they are then directed to Sydney or Canberra – a six hour return journey, which is completely unacceptable.

“As Health Minister, Tony Abbott committed $3 million towards a linear accelerator in the Shoalhaven prior to the last election and he has demonstrated the Coalition’s ongoing commitment to the cause.”

Health Minister Nicola Roxon responded by pointing to Mr Abbott’s record as heath minister.

“It is wise to watch what Mr Abbott does, rather than what he says,” Ms Roxon said.

“Mr Abbott had five years as Minister for Health to deliver a linear accelerator and cancer centre to Nowra, yet did nothing except make last-minute promises.

“The Rudd Government has committed $560 million to create a network of best practice regional cancer centres across Australia and will soon announce the successful applications.”

Paul Dean, who started the linear accelerator appeal with the late Dr Ray Cleary, said Mr Abbott’s announcement was “gratifying”.

“Politicians from both sides of the divide have, as we have moved through the fund raising program, jumped on board,” Mr Dean noted.

However he said people should not read too much into it.

“It is still by no means certain that either party will give us what we need,” Mr Dean said.

“Priorities seem to change almost daily.

“As a community we must speak with one raised voice on this issue.”