Member for Western Victoria James Purcell says there is a good chance the Reid Oval will receive government funding to upgrade its facilities.

On Friday it missed out on major state government funding, with cash for regional infrastructure upgrades announced across the state.

Mr Purcell said missing out on the AFL funding package was certainly not the end of the road for the sporting facility.

“There is a lot of work and lobbying occurring to upgrade the Reid Oval to AFL standard,” Mr Purcell said.

“I have had several discussions with the state government and the treasurer and it is certainly on their radar.

“If we continue to work on this I am confident we can secure funding.”

Mr Purcell is in a unique position in Victoria’s Upper House, holding the balance of power.

“Work is still underway on a preliminary business case for the Reid Oval and once this is complete it will be revisited,” he said.

The oval needs at least $6 million for a complete overhaul.

Warrnambool City Council is strongly pushing for government funding to update the crumbling facilities as other regional cities derive economic and health and well-being benefits from state-of-the art grounds.

It says an upgrade would not only benefit Warrnambool, but the whole region.

Facility upgrades could also help to secure an AFL practice match.

A renovated playing surface, improved lighting, flood lighting for the second netball court and replacing the rail fencing and interchange benches are priorities, as well as demolishing the outdated change rooms, bar and male toilets and creating a new building. 

Other proposed upgrades include a terraced spectator area, upgrading viewing from the boundary line and improving the cricket nets area.