North Wangaratta Football and Netball Club president Nate Bartlett expressed frustration at this week’s announcement the site assessment report, due December 30, might not be ready.

“It’s just very disappointing that we haven’t got the results and we’re not being delivered on the promise that we were given by the EPA at that community forum,” Mr Bartlett said.

“We understand that it’s not their fault that it’s delayed but again if you put your name to something, make sure that you're able to back it up.

“So another promise broken by the EPA.”

The club has been unable to use its oval since May after lead above the health limits for recreational levels was detected in soil samples at the site’s eastern boundary.

Past skeet shooting practices of Wangaratta Clay Target Club led to the contamination and the gun club found itself unable to meet the costs of the present investigation.

Environment Protection Authority Victoria chief executive Nial Finegan said the EPA, Wangaratta Council, Wangaratta Clay Target Club and other government agencies had put in money to ensure the report was completed.

“While EPA understands the frustrations of the sports club in not being able to return to the oval, the primary objective of all agencies involved is, and has always been, to reopen the recreation reserve for use as quickly as possible while minimising any risks to human health and the local environment,” Mr Finegan said.

Wangaratta Council chief executive Brendan McGrath said the council would now manage the project, although the gun club remained ultimately responsible for the situation.

“The consultant is still saying to us today they intend to have something submitted by the end of December,” Mr McGrath said on Friday.

“It may just be a preliminary report rather than their final investigation.”