The two-year program was a highlight of the recent budget and will see $50 million available to organisations and councils in 2020/21 with a further $50 million available next financial year.

Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams said the fund would improve infrastructure for our sport-loving community.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on everyone's lives, including our local community sport competitions," Mrs Williams said.

"The health and wellbeing benefits of playing with your local team are so crucial not just for your fitness but from the networks you create by playing team sport.

"The greater cities and regional sport facility fund will improve local sports facilities and active recreational spaces and enable more people to participate in sport and active recreation."

Acting minister for sport Geoff Lee said inclusive projects that encouraged the participation of females and people with a disability will be prioritised.

"I'm excited about the opportunities this will give to sports clubs and organisations throughout the Port Macquarie electorate to upgrade and build new facilities," Mr Lee said.

"I'm encouraging all eligible local clubs to apply.

I'm especially passionate about the focus on increasing and improving change room facilities for girls and women so they have their own comfortable environment for playing sport and therefore stay playing sport."

Applications close 26 February 2021.

While you're with us, you can also receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.