The Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery Warren Snowdon made the announcement late last week, with $549,235.80 going towards the centre.

The funding comes as part of the Federal Governments $6.1 million National Rural and Remote Health Infrastructure Program (NRRHIP).

Mudgee Medical Centre doctor Peter Roberts said the group welcomed the funding.

“We are delighted and very excited.”

Dr Roberts said the project was being funded by the general practitioners at the centre and had been a huge financial risk on their behalf.

“It is not a thing most doctors consider doing later in their careers,” Dr Roberts said.

But Dr Roberts said the centre would be a great resource for the community, making it more competitive in trying to attract doctors to the area.

The medical centre section of the complex is rapidly being constructed, with plans to lay slabs for the radiology area, visiting specialist section and the pharmacy later this week.

Two rooms in the new centre will be designed specifically for medical students, with a meeting room that can be converted into a teaching area when required.

Around 50 car parking spaces will also be constructed at the front and side of the new complex.

“It will be a lot better than what we have now,” Dr Roberts said.

However Dr Roberts said the best thing about new centre was the space around the building and the ability to expand in the future.

“If we attract more specialists or other allied health services become available there is room for more buildings on the site.

“Down the line we can have everything in one area,” Dr Roberts said.

Funds from the grant will go towards construction, examination beds and lights.