Redan netball director Claire Sandford welcomed the City of Ballarat's support for a redevelopment of City Oval, including the construction of netball courts on the site of the former croquet club greens, but said it was too early for the club's netballers to get their hopes up.

The Courier reported on Thursday that the Ballarat City Council had adopted its City Oval Masterplan after identifying the historic oval as one of eight venues to be covered by its Sports Precinct Strategy.

The football and netball club is now waiting on the approval of a $100,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria to begin work on the courts.

"It's safe to say this is the closest we've got but we've got one hurdle to go," Sandford said.

"We've been told a decision (on the funding) is imminent but we're not sure if that means a couple of days or a couple of months.

"At this stage we'll wait and see. We're urging our netballers not to get their hopes up."

The request for the $100,000, a portion of which is to be provided by the club and the City of Ballarat, is part of an overall application for $1.9 million funding for the City Oval Masterplan, which includes new administration facilities, spectator amenities, and new fencing for the venue.

The club was hopeful that Sports and Recreation Victoria would fund the construction of the netball facilities, regardless of the success of the overall bid.

Ballarat Football League chief executive officer Rod Ward described the council's backing of the City Oval renovation as "long overdue".

"We're thrilled and relieved to see City of Ballarat has approved the masterplan for the City Oval with a view to restoring it to its former glory," he said.

"We're very pleased with the decision by the current council and commend current councillors and staff for the decision process.

"Ballarat has long been recognised for its contribution to heritage and art but it's good to see significant resources put into reinvigorating sport in the area.

"It is disappointing it hasn't happened sooner, despite broken promises by previous councillors, but we're moving forward now."