Ms Kealy said Wimmera Health Care Group’s proposed $3-million oncology upgrade was the region’s key infrastructure priority.

‘‘The Wimmera has one of the worst incidences of cancer in the state,’’ she said.

‘‘It is vital we have appropriate infrastructure to provide people with the best possible support.

‘‘The current conditions are incredibly cramped. It makes it difficult for the wonderful staff to deliver the quality of services they would like to.’’

In April last year, the Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation announced it would focus on establishing a state-of-the-art oncology service in Horsham after reaching its $1-million target ahead of deadline.

The project received a significant boost in March when Prime Minister Tony Abbott visited Horsham to commit $1 million for the centre.

‘‘The centre has a $1-million commitment from the federal government and $1 million from the Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation,’’ Ms Kealy said.

‘‘We need a $1-million commitment from the state government to ensure we do receive the funding from the federal government.

‘‘If the state government does not fund the centre this year, it is another year Wimmera residents will have to settle for sub-standard care in the region.’’

Ms Kealy said the Wimmera Cancer Centre would have wide-reaching benefits.

‘‘The centre will not just help cancer patients in Horsham, but in the wider region as well,’’ she said.

‘‘It will also help families, as a lot of family members have to drive their relatives to places such as Ballarat for treatment.’’

Wimmera Health Care Group chief executive Chris Scott said while he did not want to make any budget demands, he would welcome a chance to work with the state government on the project should the opportunity arise.

‘‘We would welcome the opportunity to work with the state government to develop services for the region,’’he said.