The spokesperson said the department knew the Mackellar board had concerns about the financial viability of the clinic, and was now looking for a solution to re-open it.

"The commonwealth is currently investigating interest from parties as to an operator to continue to operate the [GP super clinic]," they said.

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The Rural Doctors Network (RDN) had been providing ongoing assistance to the Mackellar board to identify options.

RDN chief executive officer Richard Colbran said it also remained committed to working "on options for the centre to continue operating".

"Discussions remain focused on continued collaboration and cooperation to develop a long-term solution for the people of Gunnedah to access medical and allied health services," Mr Colbran said.

The Department of Health first provided $5.2 million in 2010 to Gunnedah Rural Health for the construction of a new GP super clinic.

The clinic then opened in June 2012 "to provide multidisciplinary health care services for a twenty-year designated use period, which ends in 2032."

Mackellar Care Services then took over the clinic in November 2017. The building is owned by Hunter New England Health.

Gunnedah now has two remaining practices and a public hospital.

Mackellar Care Services chief executive officer Wayne Snelson announced the permanent closure on Wednesday afternoon, because of "financial strain".