More high-profile sporting events at Dubbo and benefits for the city's future generations.
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There was plenty of reason to be excited at No. 1 Oval on Thursday when the revamped sporting precinct was officially opened.
It's taken years of work and millions of dollars but the state of the art facility is now one which is already being mentioned as a potential future host of events like Big Bash League cricket matches.
"It makes Dubbo truly the best city in inland NSW and our sporting facilities are getting right up there with the best," Dubbo Regional Council mayor Ben Shields said.
Shields and Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders were on hand for the announcement along with other council members and stakeholders including representatives from sporting groups.
"Dubbo can now be hosting regional, state, and national-based competitions," Saunders added.
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The redevelopment goes as far back as 2011 when council devised a master plan for the Victoria Park precinct and it took a huge step forward when funding was announced by the state government in 2017.
That funding totalled more than $7 million but roughly half went towards the removal of the cycle track around the ground and the construction of a new cycle facility, one that is now completed and earning rave reviews at River St.
Council also contributed roughly $2 million and that has also gone to the construction of picket fences around the No. 2 and No. 3 grounds as well as improved lighting at the former and improved car parks at all three grounds.
As well as the improved playing surface at No. 1 and fences around the ground, the major addition is the clubhouse.
It features change rooms and a canteen as well as a 100-seat function room that allows a clear and complete view of the playing field from almost every corner.
"It's a world class facility," Saunders said.
Those from cricket and rugby union in attendance were also thrilled by the completed works.
Cricket could be played at the ground as soon as the second round of the 2020/21 season while the Dubbo Kangaroos will call No. 1 Oval home again from next season.
"This sort of thing puts Dubbo on the map regionally," Cricket NSW's development officer for Far West Matt Ellis said.
"This is our home," the Roos' Frank Newman added, his side playing out of Apex Oval this year.
"Apex is a great facility ... but this is our home and we'll be very glad to get back here next year."
The Roos will be boosted by the improved playing surface which will serve far better in wet conditions while the removal of the cycle track and increased field size means more people will be able to come in and get closer to the action.
The increased field is also a major benefit for cricket and further boosts the chances of having high-profile matches at the ground.
"Personally, I'd love to see that," Ellis added.
"I'd love to see content brought regionally and this is certainly a step in the right direction for that down the track."
Shields added he had been inspired by the way so many people and groups had come together in the past three years to make the project a reality and said he had no doubt it will allow cricket and rugby to continue to grow in Dubbo into the future.
He also highlighted the economic impact which could come from hosting junior and senior carnivals as well as state or national events.
"Sporting events bring a lot of money to the Dubbo region and we need to encourage that and grow that and we do know we're heading into uncertain economic times and this type of facility can help insulate us," he said.
Saunders agreed while stating much thanks had to go to Dubbo Cycle Club for their assistance in making the redevelopment of the facility possible.