WORK is under way on the next stage of a project aimed at upgrading the Wangaratta Showgrounds area as an emergency relief centre.

The Rural City of Wangaratta last year received $2 million from the Federal Government as part of the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program to carry out the works.

Development includes improvements to the Wangaratta rodeo grounds; upgrades to the Wangaratta Football Netball Club change rooms; relocation and expansion of the Wangaratta Lions Club shed; expansion of the Wangaratta Kennel and Obedience Dog Club; provision of cooling and heating to the existing sports development centre; and wayfinding signage.

The works are aimed at enabling council to better prepare, coordinate and facilitate a seamless relief centre during an emergency, and will also deliver key outcomes identified as part of the Parklands Masterplan.

Wangaratta Football Netball Club president Ellyn O'Brien said work around the dog club had been carried out, and the Lions club shed work was starting, with fencing now in place and works beginning on new change rooms around the Magpies' Norm Minns Oval base.

"Then, once the season is finished for us, we will gut and renovate the existing change rooms, in a project we're funding," she said.

"It will be amazing when it's done, and will make us competitive with Lavington for big games, putting us in the mix for AFL and AFLW games.

"We are doing a lot of work with council on attracting more major events.

"These works will make it a better facility for all users, including the junior league and Murray Bushrangers."

The works are expected to be completed early in 2024, ready for next year's football season.

"It's exciting, and will be good not just for the club but for the community, when we do have those unfortunate events or when we host big events," Ms O'Brien said.