The venue is in the midst of a month-long break from racing, with the next meeting to be held on January 15.

Officials are using that time to complete minor upgrades to the course proper, however they have their focus on the major works that have been in the pipeline for more than three years.

Read more: Kembla Grange trainers say goodbye as retired racehorses find new homes

That will see the B-grass redeveloped into a surface capable of hosting races before officials commence vital improvements to the course proper.

Illawarra Turf Club chief executive Peter De Vries conceded it's been a long path to this point, however he's confident work will start in the new year.

"The word I was given is that Peter V'landys had a review of the work he wanted us to do and it is costed, funded and he wants it started as soon as possible in the new year.

"Hopefully we'll get an official announcement in January."

Kembla Grange trainers view the major upgrades as vital to ensuring the sustainability of the racecourse.

Multiple meetings were washed out this year, with drainage improvements a key focus of the planned work. The B-track is set to be raised as part of the solution.

With Racing NSW unveiling a bold plan to lure international stables to the Illawarra in the coming years, there are concerns the surface in its current state will not cope with an increase in horses based at Kembla Grange.

It's understood the governing body had hoped to complete upgrades to both the B-track and the course proper before next year's The Gong in November.

De Vries, however, said his organisation will be taking a slower approach to ensure the long-term success of the project.

"It will be a stepping stone. We've got to get the B-grass in a condition where it can be used as a racecourse, that's not a short-term thing.

"If we don't do that, we won't have anywhere to race when we start the course proper.

"The idea is to do the work required, which is extensive, and give it a full growing season or even two to allow it to settle and bind itself before we go racing on it."