HANSEN Yuncken has landed the job to build the $70 million Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre, with work to start by the end of this year.

The awarding of the tender was announced yesterday by Victorian Health Minister David Davis.

The three-level centre will be built on Borella Road, with a link to the Albury hospital.

The intention is to bring together public and private services under one roof.

Member for Benambra Bill Tilley said the announcement was great news for the community.

“The wide-ranging cancer services that will become available in the area will also mean patients will be able to seek cancer treatment close to their homes, and close to their support networks,” Mr Tilley said.

NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner agreed.

“The Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre will enable patients to access state-of-the-art cancer care closer to home, where they will have the support of loved ones during treatment and on their journey to recovery,” she said.

Federal Health Minister Peter Dutton said the investment would deliver comprehensive cancer services for the region.

“The Commonwealth is pleased to work together with the NSW and Victorian governments to deliver services to rural and regional centres and improve the health status of the community,” he said.

Mr Davis said federal funding of $65 million had been provided through the Health and Hospitals Fund, with a further contribution from the Border-East Hume Cancer Network.

“This project will consolidate and expand existing cancer services provided by members of the network for a population that includes residents of north-eastern Victoria and southern NSW,” he said.

“The cancer centre will be an integrated facility including public and private diagnostic and treatment services, enhanced paediatric focus, research and training facilities.

“It will reach beyond the region through the establishment of regional information, education and research networks.”

The $70 million cost includes a $5 million federally funded PET scanner to detect cancer and cardiovascular disease that is already being built at Albury hospital.

Mr Davis pointed out that the project was expected to create work for Border sub-contractors.

The centre should be finished by late 2015.