Kiama MP Gareth Ward and Kiama Mayor Mark Honey have announced $1,088,528 will be spent on the Jamberoo Sporting Precinct upgrade, as part of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

The funding boost is centred on Kevin Walsh Oval in the heart of the village, the home of the Jamberoo Superoos Rugby League Football Club and the Jamberoo Bulls Cricket Club.

The upgrade will see extensive refurbishment and additional amenities, aiming to improve disability accessibility, increase sports participation, increase sporting event capacity and improve user experience.

The improvements are expected to increase club participation and team morale with upgraded change rooms, new storage, and a fully compliant canteen, transforming the currently inadequate facilities.

There will also be upgrades to the charge rooms and Keith Irvine Oval and the installation of new lights. The youth hall will also receive a facelift while drainage and connectivity of all the facilities will be improved.

President of the combined Jamberoo Sporting Clubs, and son of the late Kevin Walsh, Greg Walsh said sporting groups had gone from ”desperation to exhilaration”.

“Dad would be very proud of this, as we as a family are,” he said.

“He not only worked for rugby league but all sporting groups within the community.

“We’re rapt. It’s a great commitment from the local sporting clubs that’s got us this far and this $1 million is the icing on the cake.

“It will make the Jamberoo facility not only for sports but also passive recreation. But also people with a disability who visit this very flat, shaded area with their carers on daily outings and that's a very pleasing aspect for us.”

Mr Ward said the changes will transform the currently inadequate facilities, which do not accommodate all the various visitors to the precinct into a facility that can attract and host regional, state and national championship competitions, and professional sporting matches in the future.

“I am delighted that the facilities at Jamberoo’s primary sporting location, the Jamberoo Sporting Precinct, will be upgraded,” he said.

“Various sporting and community groups have expressed and offered letters of support for the facilities to be upgraded.

“I look forward to seeing the finished product.”