The funding will go towards redeveloping the Oval, which includes transforming it from a single oval to a twin-oval facility.

The two-field concept will allow for both junior and senior rugby to consolidate their training and playing at Cranfield Oval; reducing their current need for Hall Brothers Oval.

Amongst the works to begin would be the removal of the existing oval pipe fencing, relocating the cricket nets, improving the oval’s irrigation, carpark and amenities, and relocating and refurbishing McFarlane Stand.

Ms Hodgkinson said it was important that sporting groups benefit from State Government funding because they bind communities together.

“The money that will be spent on this wonderful sporting facility will make it the centrepiece of sport in Young,” she said.

“The new Cranfield Oval will attract more sporting opportunities for Young, and it will be terrific for the town.

“The decision was not made lightly to spend this significant amount of money but I think spending $600,000 on this oval is the right decision and it’s going to be extremely beneficial for not just Young but the entire region.”

Council Administrator Wendy Tuckerman said Cranfield Oval is an important piece of sporting infrastructure in Young.

“The redevelopment is the start of a new era for the venue which promises to not only be an excellent home-ground for our local teams for generations of players to come but will also attract more and more sporting events to the region, which in turn, will increase visitor numbers, enhancing the local economy,” she said.

Members of the Young Rugby Union Club and the Young and District Cricket Association were at the announcement and praised the redevelopment plans. 

Young and District Cricket Association secretary Kelly Meddings said the redevelopment would be amazing for cricket.

“This gives us an opportunity to have a turf cricket pitch in town that will be unaffected by winter sports, and that is an amazing opportunity, and we are very thankful,” she said.

“Cranfield Oval is our premier cricket ground so not to have our curators have to recover the ground from a winter sport has made us very happy.”

Young Rugby Union Club president Wally Everdell said having two grounds will be a major asset to the club and the town.

“Not having the cricket pitch right in the middle of the oval like we’ve had since the year dot will be a big bonus,” he said.

“We've got very strong juniors, 16s and 18s, so that gives us the potential to get them all here on the one oval for training.

“Also, the Burrangong Bears Rugby League Club play here so with one field the ground was a bit exhausted by the end of the year, so the two fields will be a big step forward for our club.”