$1.1 million upgrade underway at Queanbeyan's Seiffert Oval

Queanbeyan's historic Seiffert Oval is being restored to its former glory with a $1.1 million upgrade.

With the Federal and NSW Governments each contributing $500,000 on top of a further $100,000 budget allocation from Queanbeyan City Council, the spiritual home of the Canberra Raiders will soon be able to once again accommodate first grade rugby league.

The upgrade will include improving the venue's playing surface, irrigation, grandstand, canteen facilities and scoreboard ahead of an NRL trial match next February.

Commenting on the upgrade, NSW MP for Monaro John Barilaro stated "Seiffert Oval is the place where the legend of the mighty Canberra Raiders was born; it was their original home ground when they entered the then NSW Rugby League Premiership 32 years ago.

"Naturally enough Raiders supporters have a strong historical attachment to Seiffert Oval and for many in the Queanbeyan community it is considered to be a special place."

Contractors are currently restoring the irrigation and playing surface ahead of an NRL trial match between the Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights, to be held on 21st February.

Queanbeyan City Council Parks Manager Tim Geyer said the ground was now getting its first major renovation in over 20 years, with further infrastructure upgrades to follow beyond next February's trial match.

Geyer told local media "you won't recognise it in February.

"Council's had it now for four or five years now, and this is the first chance we've had to invest in it.

“Prior to that, I don't think it's had anything for probably 20 years, since the Raiders left."

Local rugby league club The Queanbeyan Blues are also looking forward to the upgrade, with the Council and the Blues entering an in-principle agreement to extend the Leagues club's tenancy at the ground.

Council, as trustees for the facility, have offered the Leagues Club a long term agreement which will see the ground remain the principle home ground of the Queanbeyan Blues, and local rugby league, for the next decade.