New year push for radiotherapy services for the Eurobodalla
Radiotherapy services in Eurobodalla were back in the spotlight at the December meeting of Eurobodalla Council, with councillors and community members calling for more action.
Three speakers during the public forum session acknowledged the new regional hospital in Moruya represents a significant step forward in improving health infrastructure in the region, but lamented the lack of radiology services.
Council’s General Manager Mark Ferguson said the Southern NSW Local Health District supports provision of radiotherapy services, however, the NSW Government has indicated it remains in negotiations with the Federal Government to fund the project.
“In the new year, Mayor Hatcher will be seeking to facilitate a joint meeting with our state and federal MPs Michael Holland, Fiona Phillips and Kristy McBain to progress a path for the provision of these services through installation of a single linear accelerator at the new regional hospital in Moruya,” Mr Ferguson said.
“At every opportunity – including when NSW Health Minister Ryan Park and senior health officials visited the hospital construction site in October – Council lobbies for these vital radiotherapy services to be included at the new hospital.”
“We have also advocated for an upgrade to Batemans Bay hospital and sought NSW Government commitment for the Moruya bypass to improve access to the new hospital for residents in the north of the shire.”
A spokesperson for Minister Park told the MM last week: “The Minister has been clear about his commitment to delivering radiotherapy services at Eurobodalla Regional Hospital and spoke of his commitment when on site with the Premier and Dr Holland in October 2025.
“Right now, the focus is on delivering the $330 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, construction is progressing well with the hospital due to open in 2027.
“With regard to radiotherapy services, NSW Health is currently developing a Request for Proposal for interested parties to respond to and will keep the community updated as we progress.”
Mayor Mathew Hatcher said he hopes the state and federal government can reach agreement and commit to funding the linear accelerator next year.
“So many members of our community will be spared the burden of travelling to receive vital radiation therapy services if the NSW and federal governments can reach agreement on how to fund this service,” Cr Hatcher said.
“Council will continue to shine a light on this omission from the region’s health infrastructure, and I’m grateful to the community members who remind us to maintain the focus.”
At approximately 1.30am this morning, Sunday 28 December, NSW Police Marine Area Command advised Marine Rescue NSW that a sailing yacht racing in the Sydney to Hobart would require assistance at Bermagui.
“Early this morning, I received a call from Marine Area Command advising that a racing yacht had an injured crew member on board.
“At the time of the call, the yacht was four to five hours from Bermagui.
“Once the vessel was closer to Bermagui, a volunteer crew and three NSW Ambulance paramedics were deployed on board Marine Rescue NSW rescue vessel Bermagui 30 to meet the yacht outside Bermagui Harbour.
“The injured crew member was transferred onto BG 30 and transported to the wharf, where paramedics continued to provide medical treatment,” Inspector Sullivan said.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.