On Tuesday, NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner, Kiama MP Gareth Ward and South Coast MP Shelley Hancock made an election commitment of $5 million for the new machine which provides state-of-the-art radiation therapy treatment.

Mr Ward said, if re-elected, the government would order another linear accelerator for the Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre.

"We officially opened the centre in late 2013 and the current linear accelerator has been in operation for just over 12 months and is already at 93 per cent capacity," he said.

"Some 420 patients have undergone treatment and given the demand and the size of the region, we believe this is something the community needs.

"If re-elected we would have the machine ordered and built and would hope to see it operational within six to 12 months."

Wollongong Hospital has three linear accelerators in operation and the addition of the single machine in the Shoalhaven has already eased the pressure at that hospital.

A second machine at the Nowra centre would further ease that pressure - giving patients throughout the region prompt and easy access to the life-saving treatment.

Mrs Skinner said the project would ensure the facility was able to meet patient demand into the future.

"The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to ensuring rural and regional patients have access to quality healthcare, including cancer care, closer to where they live."

Ms Hancock said the funding would bolster cancer services.

"The community fought hard to deliver the Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre and [Tuesday's] announcement shows this [government] backs this service and the incredible care it provides."

lwachsmuth@fairfaxmedia.com.au