The prospect has excited the facility’s numerous users that include Newcastle Veterans Athletic Club, Cooks Hill United Football Club, numerous schools and junior athletes.

“I can’t express how exciting this would be,” Newcastle City Little Athletics president Janet Hall said.

“The facility has deteriorated considerably over the years and is in great need of refurbishment.”

Eighty children have registered with the club this summer and meet on Monday nights for competition.

Many children selected for regional representation however are forced to train at the Hunter Sports Centre, Glendale, which is the only international standard facility between Sydney and Brisbane.

The track is under such demand that it’s often booked out.

“There really is a need for a high quality inner city track,” Ms Hall said.

“If we had a track of a higher standard it would help attract events on more of an elite level.”

Newcastle Athletic Field Management lodged an expression of interest with the state government for funds under the ClubGRANTS Category 3 program.

More than 400 applications were made statewide and the Newcastle facility was one of only 35 projects to make the shortlist.

Newcastle Athletics Field Management was last week invited to make a formal application.

If successful the track would receive a share of the program’s $8 million.

“I’m hopeful the Newcastle community will be successful in this very competitive funding round,” Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald said.

“The NSW Government is committed to investing in sport and recreation facilities for everyone to enjoy.”

Full applications will be assessed by a committee comprising government and sports representatives and independent chair Mike Colreavy.

Full applications are due December 16 and successful projects will be announced early next year.

Contact: nclac.org.au