Dan Tahan MP made the announcement on Wednesday with the money set to provide new interchange benches at Alexandra Oval, along with replacing the cricket nets and synthetic pitch at the Gordon Street Oval.

The improvements at Gordon Street come as work commences at the ground to improve irrigation water systems.

Tehan said the improvements were significant for Alexandra Oval, giving the city’s main oval a chance to host VFL games in the future.

“Not only will the oval be first rate but the interchange facilities will be as well,” he said. “We want to make sure we can continue to attract young people to play football and cricket in the region. The playing surface is second to none and we should have top class football being played here.”

The interchange improvement is expected to be completed in time for the 2018 season.

The Ararat Rural City Council is still seeking feedback from the community regarding the next stage of works at Alexandra Oval, which includes the relocation of the netball courts closer to the Fiscalini Pavilion.

Design and project management coordinator Alison Tonkin said the feedback was important to ensure planning catered for all stakeholders.

“It is great to hear from the community and hear what they would like to see in the future to help us get our developments right,” she said.

“We are here to listen to everyone, we want to understand how each person uses it so we can take that into account. It is a priority project for the council –  we have this amazing facility but it is a priority to finish it off.”

Visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/alexoval before January 15 to have a say about future plans.