Barnaby kicks the cash and the ball for Oakes Oval

UPDATE: BARNABY Joyce won't be playing for the Swans anytime soon but knows how to prop up the game.

UPDATE 11AM: GUESTS at the Nationals announcement of $1.4 million election promise for the Oakes Oval redevelopment had the privilege of witnessing both Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce and Kevin Hogan's Aussie rules kicking skills.

And it must be said that Mr Hogan knows how to handle a drop punt far better than the Nationals leader.

Holding the ball evenly in both palms, Mr Hogan revealed his ability to neatly place on to the top of the foot for an even back spin to waiting Lismore Swans juniors.

In contrast, Mr Joyce's torpedo style attempts weren't all bad, but did end up sailing well wide of the waiting pack.

And his attempt to chest mark a sitter was even more entertaining, with the ball slipping right down his chest like baby food down a toddler's bib.

But if the Nationals leader and New England MP has built a reputation on anything, it's for his ability to take on any tough and potentially embarrassing challenge and grin anyway.

And after the embarrassment (or dog whistling) of his comments linking increased boat arrivals under Labor to the banning of the live export trade, kicking an AFL footy was easy fare.

UPDATE 9.50AM:  LISMORE'S Oakes Oval is to become northern New South Wales premier sports facility, according to federal member for Page, Kevin Hogan.

It will be capable of hosting premiership AFL, rugby league, soccer and rugby union matches thanks to the $3m upgrade promised by the Coalition.

"Upgrading the oval's spectator and player facilities will have a hugely positive effect on the region," he said.

"I'm particularly excited that AFL peak bodies have already identified Oakes Oval as a potential venue for high level events."

Redevelopment details

The redevelopment will involve:

• an extension of the grandstand roof cover
• expanding the onfield playing area to boost spectator capacity
• replacing the ground's change rooms and toilet facilities
• installing a new electronic scoreboard

Mr Hogan announced today that a re-elected federal government will contribute $1.4 million to the project, with the AFL, Lismore City Council and the Lismore Swans AFL matching the funds in cash or in-kind.

"The oval will be the same width of the Sydney Cricket Ground and only about one metre shorter." Mr Hogan said.

"And like the SCG, the new larger Oakes Oval will be the perfect place to watch cricket in the summer and Aussie Rules in the winter.

"Already there are talks to play Sheffield Shield cricket and preliminary rounds of the AFL on the new Lismore Oakes Oval."

Good for business

Mr Hogan said the election promise is great new for Lismore's businesses and the region.

"More money going through local cafes, clubs, motels and other small businesses means more support for existing jobs and the potential to create new ones," he said.

"I congratulate Lismore City Council for its leadership and financial commitment to the project, as well as the AFL and Lismore Swans AFL club which will also contribute to the upgrade."

INITIAL: DEPUTY Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Page MP Kevin Hogan will announce an upgrade of Oakes Oval in Lismore today.

Media have been called to a press conference at the oval at 9am.

Oakes Oval is the pre-eminent sporting arena on the Northern Rivers and previously hosted high standard games of cricket, soccer and rugby league.

Mr Hogan told ABC North Coast this morning it would be a boost for the local economy and bring more sporting teams to the region.

He said the redevelopment would include expanding field playing area, more spectator capacity and upgrading change rooms and toilets.