The State Government has promised $1 million to start up a nursing training hub in Port Pirie if it wins the next election.
Port Pirie Mayor Leon Stephens welcomed the news as the city has been working for some time to get such a project underway, but he is concerned that the promise is not actually budgeted.
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"For nearly three years, we have been in the process of trying to set up a training hub," he said.
"If they are going to give us a million, then that is great, but is that actually in the budget?
"My role as the Mayor is to now talk to Malinauskas and ask if Labor are going to do the same."
Mr Stephens said the Port Pirie Regional Council was pushing so hard for a nursing training hub as it would open up opportunities for the people of Pirie and the surrounding regions.
"This is a Port Pirie-centric thing which means we can train registered nurses, paramedics, all types of medical professionals in town and because they do not have to go over the proverbial border to train, the probabilities of them staying are quite good," he said.
In a statement, Deputy Premier and Member for Stuart Dan van Holst Pellekaan said he wants to invest in better health services for the local community and more regional jobs.
"The investment will service 16 public health services in the region and help overcome a major barrier to the development of a local health care workforce," he said.
"It is estimated more than 200 Registered Nurses will be locally trained in the first 10 years and 14 jobs will be created during construction of the new facility.
"The initiative will generate another $750,000 of new economic activity for the area, putting more money into local pockets."
Independent Member for Frome and Stuart candidate Geoff Brock said he wholeheartedly supported the promise of funding, but he wanted both major parties to commit funds to ensure it happens regardless of the election result.
"I have been fighting for this for a long time," he said.
"I certainly welcome that $1 million ... and I would be interested to see what the Opposition are committing to.
"This issue I have got is, the funding is fantastic, but why does it take a government going into an election mode to commit something subject to them being re-elected?"
