The stage was also set for the Narooma community to lobby for funding to overhaul Bill Smyth Oval, Bega MP Andrew Constance said.

On Monday, Mr Constance announced the Budget would confirm about $45 million for ongoing work at Dignams Creek.

The government will spend a total of $1.5 billion on the highway, mostly between Nowra and Batemans Bay. However Mr Constance yesterday said he remained concerned about the highway in the southern Eurobodalla Shire.

“We have had ongoing Princes Highway work in and around Narooma; to the north of the town, there have been ongoing improvements, but I remain very concerned about the crash rate in and around Narooma,” he said.

He said community funding avenues in the Budget should encourage residents to ask Eurobodalla Shire Council to apply for projects such as Bill Smyth Oval.

“The big thing for Narooma is we want to continue to allow the council to attract state funds for all forms of local infrastructure, such as Bill Smyth oval,” he said.

Sporting groups have been lobbying for state and federal funds to overhaul the grounds and facilities, where girls and boys share change rooms. They shared their concerns on video recently with the Narooma News.

“It is vital now that local government chase those funds for what the community is calling for. At no point in our history have we seen this magnitude of State Government investment on the Far South Coast.

“Our locals know better than anyone that investment in diverse regions like ours - with everything from dairy and oyster farmers through to small business and tourism operators - makes a huge impact on the state’s overall economy.

He said Budget items included $59.9 million for local road infrastructure upgrade and maintenance. He said amenities at Tilba would support the historic village and the tourism sector.