Prior to the last election, Kiama MP Gareth Ward and South Coast MP Shelley Hancock committed to funding for a second machine at the Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre, with Mr Ward confirming it was in the budget on Tuesday afternoon.

“It was an election commitment and there is $5 million in the budget for the second machine as we said there would be,” Mr Ward said.

“It’s a delightful result,” said Mr Dean, who was hopeful the extra machine would be in place by December.

“When the announcement was first made it was mentioned it would be in place by December,” he said.

“It is great news for the area but also sad news that the service is being so widely used by local patients and therefore more cancer sufferers that we need this second machine.”

He said provisions had already been made when the $38.2 million centre was being built to house a second machine.

“The second bunker was built as part of the original construction, so the space is there we just need the second machine,” he said.

“Unfortunately there is a demand for it.

“Plans are well advanced for developing treatment for people a long way further south, so the Nowra centre could become a regional hub.

“People not having to travel as far for treatment is great.

“With the associated accommodation already on site it makes it much easier for people who do have travel for treatment.”

Despite the second machine announcement, Mr Dean does not think there would be an extension of the accommodation units at this stage.

“We will have to look at the accommodation centre occupancy rates but at this stage the 10 units seem to be adequate,” he said.

Mr Dean praised Mr Ward and Mrs Hancock for their ongoing support of the centre, saying they had both worked hard to ensure the funding was made available.

The centre has been open for just over 16 months and the linear accelerator is already operating at around 93 per cent capacity.

As well as providing radiation treatment the centre also undertakes chemotherapy treatment.