Nationals' candidate for Hunter, Sue Gilroy, has announced $2 million in funding for a major upgrade of Toronto's Lyall Peacock Oval, delivering modern, adaptable community facilities and upgraded field lighting, to better serve local sporting clubs and community groups.
Ms Gilroy said the upgrade is long overdue and would benefit the local sports community.
"Lyall Peacock Oval has been at the heart of local sport and community life in the Hunter, but the current facilities are holding our clubs back, especially when it comes to supporting women's sport and hosting major events," Ms Gilroy said.
"At the moment, the lighting on the field isn't good enough for evening use, and the facilities don't meet the standards needed to grow the game for women and juniors.
"This $2 million investment will change that and ensure this oval is a welcoming, modern space for everyone."
The project will deliver new toilets and inclusive facilities suitable for female athletes, as well as improved lighting to allow safe evening training sessions, as well as open the door to hosting gala days and larger events that bring the community together.
Ms Gilroy said the announcement was part of her commitment to back local communities and making sure grassroots sport has the infrastructure it needs to thrive.
"Sport brings people together, builds community, and keeps people active and connected. The Nationals are proud to deliver the funding to make sure Lyall Peacock Oval can support the next generation of players and the wider community."
Nationals leader David Littleproud said the funding commitment comes on top of a future Coalition Government's ground-breaking Regional Australia Future Fund, which will deliver a guaranteed annual funding stream in perpetuity for regional, rural and remote Australia.
"The Nationals will put regional people first and leave a legacy for future generations in the Hunter," Mr Littleproud said.
"The Fund will deliver secure and sustainable long-term funding to tackle challenges that hold back regional communities and invest in building the long-term economic foundations of regional Australia.
"It means we won't have to fight for funding shortfalls to provide infrastructure in regional areas, so areas like the Hunter will benefit under a Dutton-Littleproud Coalition Government."
