By Brett Cox

October 10, 2006 - Canterbury-Bankstown Express

Campsie local Luke Brailey has continued his campaign to get the Bulldogs to play some games at Belmore Sports Ground by writing to Canterbury State Labor MP Linda Burney and Federal Sports Minister Rod Kemp.

Mr Brailey, head of the Back to Belmore committee, says the organisation is now seeking sponsorships to up the ante in their efforts. He believes the ground is in danger of becoming a white elephant.

“Back to Belmore is a non-profit incorporated association and we really need to get some financial backing from sponsors to help make it happen,” he said.

Mr Brailey set up the website www.backtobelmore.com.au to help launch his campaign and says he plans to run for a place on the Bulldogs board in 2009. In her letter to Mr Brailey, Ms Burney took the opportunity to wish him “all the best for [his] future endeavours”.

While she stopped short of agreeing with Mr Brailey's proposal that the Bulldogs should relocate to Belmore, Ms Burney said she was fully aware of his passion for the club and his commitment to this matter.

Mr Kemp suggested that while the Federal Government would not provide funds for the move, it was the type of program for which the Australian Sports Foundation might be able to provide a tax-deductible loan.

Mr Brailey faces an uphill battle with his campaign, because the Bulldogs recently reaffirmed their commitment to a 15-year deal with Telstra Stadium.

Canterbury City Council is also considering a range of options for the future use of the ground.