An independent report of the condition of the reserve's oval was conducted in 2016, which found there was inefficient irrigation and poor turf composition.
The total cost of the irrigation project is $210,000.
The Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund has contributed $25,000 while the remainder has been provided by Strathbogie Shire Council.
Nagambie Cricket Club president Steve Brook said the upgrade was quite significant for those who used the reserve and would save volunteers up to 30 man-hours a week.
“Volunteers have been moving sprinklers for up to 30 years,” Mr Brook said.
“It will save time, which we can put in to other areas of the club.
“And it means a better playing surface for cricket and football.”
With Nagambie Cricket Club moving to the Cricket Shepparton league, Mr Brook said it had been a prerequisite that the club upgrade its ground to align with the high standard of the league.
And after a long process — more than three years — Mr Brook said it was great to finally get to a stage where the project had the green light.
“We can see now it’s going to happen,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to getting started.”
Strathbogie Shire Council's acting chief executive officer Phil Howard said the project would deliver “an automated watering system with appropriate infrastructure to suit, which will include three-phase power, a pump system, water supply and an additional 100,000 litre capacity water tank”.
“Now funding has been confirmed for the new irrigation system, it will be tendered and constructed as soon as practically possible, which may be by Christmas 2019 or early 2020, depending on responses,” Mr Howard said.
Nagambie Football Netball Club president Barry Cryer said the project was certainly needed.
While the watering system did not affect the football season as much as the cricket season, due to those sports being played in winter and summer respectively, Mr Cryer said improved playing conditions on the field would be a major benefit to his footballers.
The recreation reserve's upgrades are not limited to the playing surface; new change rooms, toilet facilities and umpires' rooms are about a fortnight away from completion.
The upgrades come at the perfect time, with Nagambie Football Netball Club set to host a Kyabram District league final on September 7.
While the Lakers' 2019 season has seen the team using portable facilities, Mr Cryer said it was short-term pain for long-term gain, with the facilities having received limited maintenance for years.
Both Mr Brook and Mr Cryer would like to thank Strathbogie Shire Council for their work securing funding for the redevelopment.
