The council will ask for $2.675 million to fund 50 per cent of the facility’s stage two completion.

However, a further $2.675 million will need to be sourced to finish the project, which will include a main show pitch, completion of the pavilion’s first floor, spectator seating, perimeter fencing, a spectator shelter, car parks, roads, footpaths, paved shared spaces and landscaping.

Ballarat District Soccer Association president Tony Beggs told Wednesday night’s council meeting a completed facility would become local soccer’s “jewel in the crown”.

“When completed, this city could become an international soccer facility,” Mr Beggs said.

Councillor Samantha McIntosh said a completed soccer facility would have wide-reaching benefits for the whole region.

But Cr Des Hudson said the project was long overdue.

“We need to ensure the Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility is going to cater for all the needs of local soccer and that good, local community based soccer is played on that pitch as well,” Cr Hudson said. Cr Amy Johnson also asked for a report into the project to come back to the council. 

The Regional Australia Development Fund is a $175 million national funding program. Round four is currently open with applications sought via an expression of interest process.

If the EOI, which must be submitted by December 6, is successful, a full application would need to be submitted by April 11 next year.

Other projects considered for the funding were the Ballarat West Employment Zone Freight Hub, the Civic Hall and the Major Events Precinct.

fiona.henderson@fairfaxmedia.com.au