Bega MP Andrew Constance welcomed the NSW Government infrastructure funding, which will go towards the redevelopment of the sports ground.

Mr Constance said Eurobodalla Shire Council pledged $300,000 towards the project, which would include the development of a new amenities building, change rooms and canteen.

“The Gundary Sporting Precinct in Moruya is one of the Eurobodalla Shire’s busiest sporting venues, hosting football, touch football, AFL, cricket, hockey and cycling,” Mr Constance said.

“The half-million dollar investment into Gundary Oval is fantastic news for our community and the users of this facility,” said Mr Constance.

Mr Constance said a further $10,000 had been awarded to Eurobodalla Shire Council to replace AFL goals at the grounds, which would enable the Broulee Moruya AFL team to return to the oval for home games.

Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Liz Innes said the funding would help transform the grounds into a regional sporting facility.

“Not only will local sportspeople benefit, but once Gundary Oval is up to a regional standard in terms of facilities and playing surfaces, it means we can actively participate in sports tourism, bidding for events and carnivals to bring sporting teams to Eurobodalla,” Cr Innes said.

Cr Innes said the funding would help kick start the first of several major improvements to facilities planned over the next five years.

Moruya Football Club committee member Alison Dean attended Friday’s announcement and hoped the new amenities would encourage older players to get back into sport.

“We lose a lot of players when they’re around 14 and 15 years old and we really hope these improved facilities will get people coming back to the sport they enjoy,” Ms Dean said.

“Kids in regional areas miss out so often and they need encouragement to participate. It’s great to see the council working with the state government to provide quality facilities.”