Former Member for Western Victoria James Purcell said if he had his time again he would ask the government to allocate $1 million each to the district's main ovals.

"The cost has blown out to $11.5 million and they haven't even turned a sod," Mr Purcell said. "I'm disappointed about the delay and the expansion of the project.

"If I had my time again I would have organised for the Treasurer and the Premier to give $1 million to the seven main ovals rather than $7 million to the Reid.

"I think that way we would have had some action rather than a lot of talk."

Warrnambool City Council revealed this week the cost of the proposed redevelopment was $500,000 over budget.

However, Reid Oval Project Group chair Sue Cassidy said the project was only in concept stages.

"It's not a blow-out," Councillor Cassidy said.

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"We know we need to make some decisions on some things and it will come back to $11 million because that's what we have to spend."

Cr Cassidy said plans were progressing in line with the project timeline.

The proposed design would meet AFL Victoria's preferred requirements for regional facilities, but not its state level requirements.

The recommendations call for elevated coaches boxes to meet the preferred state level requirements.

However, Warrnambool Football Netball Club operations manager Ray Phillips said stakeholders were aware the facility was being built to regional standards, not state.

"I think you've got to be realistic," Mr Phillips said.

He said he believed the cost may have blown out to $20 million to meet the state guidelines.

Mr Phillips said he believed there was a strong chance the facility may be chosen to host TAC or VFL matches when it was upgraded.

He said the club was impressed by the concept plan for the upgrade.

"We couldn't be happier," he said.

"This new team has been terrific to deal with.

"They've listened and they've tried to bring in exactly what we've suggested."

Mr Phillips said the club was pleased its changerooms could be divided into two areas for males and females if required.

Mr Purcell said he was not concerned the design didn't include an elevated coaches box to meet the state level standards.

He said he believed that guideline should be changed due to the changing nature of the game.

An AFL Victoria spokesman said the governing body would continue to collaborate and work with all stakeholders to ensure the best outcome for football in the region.

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