The facility’s construction was approved at a council meeting on Monday.

Last year, the Tasmanian government committed $250,000 to the project.

The federal government has also contributed $500,000.

Break O’Day Mayor Mick Tucker said the first stage of the development was expected to begin next month and the total cost of the project would be about $2.5 million.

Cr Tucker said the facility would eventually feature a car park and retractable seating and would replace the ailing St Helens Sport and Recreation Ground as the region’s major sporting facility.

‘‘High quality community recreation and sporting facilities can offer direct benefits to a region’s economy and were a key consideration of councillors when considering the project,’’ he said.

The facility is expected to be ready for use by September this year, with a number of netball events already scheduled to take place at the stadium in 2016.

St Helens Netball Association began campaigning for a new sporting facility at St Helens three years ago.

SHNA junior development officer Lyndall Healey said the stadium’s construction was a win for the community.

‘‘This is great for the community, not just sporting groups,’’ she said.

‘‘We will now be able to host a whole range of events. It’s something we all need to get behind.’’

Break O’Day Council hopes the stadium will drive a push for sports tourism on the East Coast.