Member for Dubbo Troy Grant announced the spend, which is part of round two of the Stronger Country Communities Project.

Members of a number of local sporting groups and the show society were on hand for the announcement, and will take back to their organisations information on the project, for which applications open on March 12.

Applications will initally be sent to Dubbo Regional Council, before a list is forwarded to the State Government for final approval.

“Sport has a major role in making towns and cities exciting and vibrant places to live,” Mr Grant said.

“There was such an overwhelming response to round one of this fund, the NSW Government has decided to increase the funding for round two, and include dedicated funding for sports projects in the region.

“We have already seen the sorts of valuable projects this fund can deliver for our communities, and I encourage locals and community groups to speak with your local council and myself to put forward ideas for projects that you’d like to see happen.”

Dubbo District Junior Cricket Association president Lindsay Wood was one of the sporting club members on hand, and said access to better facilities will boost the city’s chances of attracting more major events.

“With further improvements to the facilities and amenities we’re just going to grow carnivals,” Mr Wood said.

“It’s going to enable us to put in bids for bigger and better carnivals, particularly senior carnivals, which means a lot more money coming into the town.

“Lady Cutler is very unique as far as regional NSW because we’ve got four ovals down there that allow selectors to visit four grounds at one time.

“The Victoria Park precinct is the same and that is going to improve when the upgrades happen to No.1 Oval so we might be able to attract a womens test, which would be absolutely sensational for our sport.”

Further details can be found by visiting the website www.nsw.gov.au/strongercountrycommunities