Minister for Regional Services, Sport, Local Government and Decentralisation, Senator Bridget McKenzie, local hockey representatives and Nationals representatives made the announcement for improvements at the Hockey Place fields on April 12.

The funding will include provisions for the construction of the building with meeting rooms, change facilities, showers, first aid, a canteen, parking and some all-weather protection for spectators.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Hockey Association president Simon Thresher said the funding was a major goal for the 800 hockey players in town.

"It means a hell of a lot for our Association, it gives the ability to build a club house and have the infrastructure that we need to lift the facility to a national standard," he said.

"And be able to host state significant events.

"The two fields we have are fantastic, but the auxiliary infrastructure that we have is what lets us down.

"We don't have amenities, we don't have showers, we have limited toilets and poor canteen facilities.

"This funding allows us to upgrade our car parks, push some funding towards lighting, build a clubhouse and bring hockey to Port Macquarie."

The Club had previously applied for funding to improve facilities in 2018.

The majority of funding was secured through the Community Development Grant program, with the hockey association chipping in $110,000 and Hopkins Consultants contributing $10,000 in kind towards car parking.

Senator McKenzie said the number of local players was a testimony to the sport's popularity in the Mid-North Coast.

"I'm in strong support of any outdoor activity that grows strong bodies and healthy lifestyles and there's absolutely no doubt hockey is one of the most demanding activities you can possibly engage in recreationally," she said.

"The great record Australia has is in hockey is built on the sort of enthusiasm that's on display here in Port, where the Association has made a successful bid for backing to build sorts of facilities that not only provide great opportunities for participation, but will be at a level that grows champions."

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