The money is needed to upgrade football, netball and cricket facilities across the municipalities of Warrnambool, Moyne, Glenelg, Corangamite and Southern Grampians. AFL Victoria, AFL Western District, Netball Victoria and Cricket Victoria have also contributed to the report.

The biggest spend needed is on unisex changerooms, with $55 million the bill for this infrastructure.

The focus on facilities that are female-friendly is at the heart of a strategy to retain and grow numbers playing the sports.

The report, currently in draft form, says that while 15,000 people across the region participate in these three sports, there is a predicted drop in population in all the municipalities - except Warrnambool - by 2026.

Manager of recreation and culture for Warrnambool City Council Russell Lineham said the increase in female participation in all three sports is a crucial statistic.    

“What we are expecting is that because of some of the changes with female participation, that will cover the population decline,” Mr Lineham said.

“Participation rates are good at the moment and should remain strong, but we do have a significant facilities renewal challenge.”

The report shows 98 per cent of player changeroom facilities and 76 per cent of umpire facilities are not considered to be female-friendly and inclusive in their design.  

“One of the things we know is the significant benefits organised sport brings to local communities, not just health, but also social benefits,” Mr Lineham said.

“That underpins the whole story and is the reason communities have built these facilities in the first place.”

The draft report is open now for public comment.