But the major cash injection will remain in limbo because there are no active works to be funded.

The sporting precinct’s $10 million price tag was deemed too much for Wodonga Council to take on alone after it was knocked back for federal government funding last year.

Almost six weeks after councillors made the decision at December’s meeting, state funding was announced by Northern Victoria MLC Jaclyn Symes on Friday.

A council spokeswoman confirmed the state funding application was made before December, but lobbying had continued after the project was put on hold.

Ms Symes’ announcement included a note that while Wodonga Council was “reviewing plans for Baranduda Fields”, the funding could cover construction of a grass oval sports field with floodlighting, a turf cricket wicket, fencing and players boxes.

“These new and expanded facilities throughout Northern Victoria will be a massive boost to local communities,” she said. “Grassroots sports clubs are the lifeblood of towns, it is where communities get together, locals embrace healthy and active lifestyles and kids enjoy special memories that stay with them for life.”

A fully funded Baranduda Fields sporting precinct would provide an extra playing field for the large number of Wodonga sporting clubs.

The council could not say if the $650,000 would be held onto until Baranduda Fields was back on the agenda, or used for other projects.

“The council will continue its discussions with the Victorian government about how we move forward with the funding,” the spokeswoman said.

“The  project is still a priority for the council but will be deferred until further federal funding can be secured.”

Chief executive officer Patience Harrington welcomed the other funding of $100,000 for Willow Park change rooms and $73,000 for cricket nets at Baranduda Reserve.