They and Member for Stuart Graham Gunn met with State Health Minister John Hill to seek his support for the federally funded project.

The mayors asked Mr Hill to write to his federal health counterpart, Nicola Roxon, in support of a MRI in Port Augusta.

Last week Federal MP for Grey, Rowan Ramsey, said he had Ms Roxon’s assurance funding for the MRI is committed to the region.

However it is not yet clear if the MRI tender will be reissued to Port Augusta or another city, including Whyalla.

Whyalla Mayor, Jim Pollock, said he supports the MRI machine being allocated to Port Augusta because of the city’s central position, a view shared by Port Augusta’s Mayor, Joy Baluch.

“This MRI should be here because it is closer to Port Pirie, to the mid-north and those coming down from the far north and also for the anticipated growth of mining towns,” Mrs Baluch said.

“Given that Port Augusta is the centre of health in the region ... I think it would be a stupid move and very hypocritical not to support the established move to Port Augusta.

“This will become an election issue,” she said.

Mr Hill’s ofice did not coment on whether he will support the campaign for an MRI machine for Port Augusta.

A spokesperson for Nicola Roxon on Monday said the minister has asked the Department of Health and Aging to provide further advice on the MRI tender process.