A Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program grant to the tune of $119,000 was awarded this week for construction of the first stage of redevelopment.

Junee Shire Council engineering services manager Coli

n Macaulay confirmed the funds would be used to build a kiosk, and hopefully a new broadcast box.

“It will be the start of the first stage of a new amenities complex which will have a kiosk and eventually more added to it.” Mr Colin Macaulay said.

The development application for the work has already been approved in anticipation of the grant with council now awaiting the approval of a construction certificate to begin work.

Mayor Lola Cummins said the news was most welcome, given the current kiosk’s state.

“It’s desperately needed down there,” she said. “This can start to make a difference. It will be a big help.”

The news of the grant spread like wildfire with Junee Diesels Football Club president Simon Vanzanten pleased major funding had finally arrived.

“(Willow Park) is one of the worst (parks) to be honest,” Mr Vanzanten said. “Willow Park has been as it is since about 1940.

“Every committee since then has tried to get this started.”

With the dire need for new amenities, major fundraising by community groups began about four years ago.

“It really got kick-started with Paul Willis and the McCarthy family who started up the building fund,” Mr Vanzanten said.

Purchasing a car and selling raffle tickets for it, the building fund began with around $12,000.

Since then the kitty has expanded.

“So far we’ve got about $20,000 and the Schoolboys Rugby League committee have indicated they could provide $25,000, which they did with the junior facilities,” Mr Vanzanten said. “We’re going to see how we go with the budget this year and could hopefully add another $20,000 to $30,000.

“Hopefully that would get the first stage done.”

Designs for the new amenities block have been drawn up input from the Diesels club and players.

It is hoped the work will be finalised for the 2011 Group Nine season.