A better quality of life for cancer sufferers and their families is one step closer, with demolition works commencing today to make way for the Western Cancer Centre in Dubbo.

Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government and Federal Member for the Parkes electorate Mark Coulton, who was in Dubbo to mark the milestone today, said the new centre would offer patients and their families quality care and support closer to home.

“The Nationals in Government are investing in the Western Cancer Centre to give residents of Western New South Wales access to crucial care and support, allowing cancer patients to stay closer to family and loved ones during treatment,” Mr Coulton said.

“It is so important that people in the bush are able to receive the treatment they need and deserve, without having to travel to a capital city.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the new centre would deliver better care facilities.

“The new centre will meet best-practice guidelines and service increased demand for cancer care and support services in the Dubbo region,” Mr McCormack said.

State Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the project would reduce costs for patients who currently access radiotherapy services in Orange or Sydney.

“The new centre will have one medical oncology unit with at least 16 treatment bays, one radiation therapy unit, one PET/CT diagnostic unit and support spaces including up to 14 consulting rooms,” Mr Saunders said.

“It will mean that people can stay closer to family and friends while undergoing treatment that in the past they would have had to travel much longer distances to receive.”

Works on the Western Cancer Centre will include demolition of the old Dialysis Unit and operating theatre building on the western side of the site. The new building will be at least 2,887 square metres in size and will link with the Dubbo Base Hospital Redevelopment Stage 4 Clinical Services Building at the first floor.

The Western Cancer Centre project will support more than 100 jobs during construction and create in excess of 60 ongoing jobs.

The Australian Government has committed $25 million to the project, with the NSW Government committing the remaining $10 million.

The NSW Government is delivering the project, which is scheduled for completion in 2021.