The Hawks and the Clay Target Club were warned off their facilities in May, after traces of lead were found in soil and water samples.

A complaint, made to the Victorian Environment Protection Authority, led to the discovery and contamination was found to have come from the shooting club.

A recent dust assessment report has given the green light for people to enter the football club rooms, change rooms, gun club room and children’s play area once a management strategy has been finalised.

The report was assessed by the Department of Health and Human Services, which approved use of the areas, as long as regular cleaning occurs to ensure any potential risks remain acceptable.

Hawks senior football coach Gary O'Keefe said, after a rocky season, things were taking a turn.

“It’s the best news we have had in months, things are starting to look up,” he said.

“At least we have some sort of chance for next year.

“We will be able to use the club rooms, social rooms, netball courts and the playground … that means we can start holding functions again – although it is now the wrong time of year.

“The footy boys will still need another ground to play on, we have an agreement with Wangaratta Rovers, Wangaratta Magpies and Yarrawonga.

“We will alternate between their grounds next season depending on the draw.

“It means we can get back to being a club again.”

The club lost a chunk of its income as a result of cancelled functions and a lack of gate takings in some instances.

However, Mr O'Keefe said the club had been overwhelmed by community support, after more than 100 players had taken to the field throughout the 2016 football season.

EPA acting North East manager Peter Kerr said the gun club had engaged a consultant and Wangaratta Council was finishing its report.

“Council is now finalising a management plan for the buildings to ensure risks remain manageable, until the plan is completed the buildings will remain closed,” he said.