Her promise comes as frustrations over the abandoned federally-funded MRI boil over, with the Federal Minister for Health Nicola Roxon still failing to reveal whether or not her department intends to deliver the promised machine to the region.

Despite the State Minister for Health John Hill’s, public assurances he supports an MRI in Port Augusta, Port Augusta Mayor Joy Baluch, Isobel Redmond and Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey have aired suspicions SA Country Health has played a part in the failure of the MRI.

Rowan Ramsey last week said the fact Mr Hill had been unable to find a suitable tenderer for the medical imaging contract at the Port Augusta Hospital raised questions.

“The mayors in Port Augusta, Port Pirie and Whyalla have all lobbied for this machine, signifying its importance to the whole region,” he said.

“The tenderers were not asked to meet any deficiencies in their tenders, despite the department extending the process three times.”

However Mr Hill this week reiterated that the decision to provide an MRI was a federal one and said the Liberal Party was misleading the public by promising to provide the machine.

“She’s promised a scanner without enough money, anywhere to put it or anyone to operate it,” he said.

On Saturday Ms Redmond said she was convinced that a Liberal State Government could deliver an MRI to Port Augusta and would provide $2.1 million start up funding.

“We are confident from the people that we talked to that a tenderer for the MRI can be found to be viable,” she said.

A spokesperson for Ms Roxon’s office last week said she was aware that there was strong local interest in this matter.

“She is keen to find a solution as soon as possible and is considering other options that may be available in relation to Port Augusta,” they said.

However they did not confirm to The Transcontinental whether Ms Redmond’s promise to deliver the MRI would have the Federal Government’s backing – other to confirm that no suitable applications were found in the tender application process.

In February 2008 the Federal Government promised they would deliver an MRI in Port Augusta.

However last year it was confirmed the tender process had been terminated.

This position has not changed despite ongoing lobbying by community leaders and local politicians.