Treasurer Peter Gutwein made the announcement on Friday, saying the funds would be sourced from the state budget to provide Elphin Sports Centre with the opportunity to improve decades-old infrastructure.

President of the Volunteer Board of Management Peter Dunphy said the funds were long needed and would contribute to a range of upgrades to the well-used facility.

“The retractable seating needs replacing … it’s been here since 1960 odd and it has seen its day,” Mr Dunphy said.

“The curtain as well was put up in 1964 we will refurbish that and also the lighting … if funds go that far.”

Mr Gutwein paid tribute to Mr Dunphy’s more than 50-year involvement at the Centre.

He said the recent budget was a chance to invest money in local and regional sporting facilities across Tasmania.

“[Elphin Sports Centre] has served this city for decades, it’s a centre that has been loved to death,” he said.

“I’m very pleased … to be able to present them with $230,000 which they’ll receive to invest into essential maintenance here at the centre. It will be money that is spent locally, creating local jobs.”