The Oval Redevelopment Committee and Eurobodalla Shire Council is close to setting out a new master plan that will outline the future of the whole sports precinct

Committee convener Graham Peachey said representatives from the clubs using the oval – Narooma’s main sportsground - met earlier this year and decided to make a concerted effort to push for its redevelopment.

Their campaign made headlines this year when clubs complained girls and boys were having to get changed in the same rooms.

“The council talks about Bill Smyth Oval as being one of the most used ovals in the shire,” Mr Peachey said.

Mr Peachey said the infrastructure was vital for the wellbeing of children and young people.

“Our interest is not just the bricks and mortar and sport, but the youth - keeping kids involved with sport, establishing life values that keep them off the street,” he said.

Mr Peachey said the committee had been working very closely with the council and the shire had been very receptive.

“Anything we do, we tick-tack with them and vice versa, they do the same,” he said.

Funding has been secured from various NSW Government grants: $400,000 for upgrades to the clubhouse, $100,000 for field lighting and $13,000 for a new scoreboard.

Mr Peachey said they had also lobbied politicians in the lead-up to state and federal elections and had received promises of support towards the redevelopment.

“We still have the job of getting community consultation started and engaging a team of consultants,” he said.

Planned upgrades include a second oval for rugby league; a netball court and amenities.