Media Statement

December 3, 2007

Recent speculation in a Rugby League magazine that Belmore Sports Ground is set to be bulldozed in January 2008 should concern local residents in the Canterbury-Bankstown region.

The rumour originated in the Summer edition of Rugby League Review, where it was claimed that Canterbury Council would force the Bulldogs to vacate Belmore Sports Ground so an Aquatic Centre could be built on the site.

Back to Belmore President Luke Brailey believes that an Aquatic Centre at Belmore Sports Ground is not in the best interests of the local community as there are already similar facilities at Canterbury, Roselands, Greenacre and Ashfield.

"Belmore Sports Ground is the Bulldogs' spiritual kennel and is central to Belmore's identity," Mr Brailey said.

"It is in the best interests of the local community for Belmore to remain as a focal point for local sport and I encourage the Bulldogs not to relinquish their lease and ensure that the Bulldogs' NRL team can one day return to the venue."

While Canterbury City Council's City Plan includes plans to implement a new Aquatic Centre in the Canterbury region by 2013, the Back to Belmore committee feels that any talk of such a facility at Belmore is premature.

"Back to Belmore understands why Canterbury Council is looking at alternative options for the site, as the Bulldogs have clearly failed to tackle entrenched problems, such as dilapidation and deterioration, that have crippled Belmore Sports Ground," Mr Brailey said.

"However, any discussion of an Aquatic Centre should immediately be put on hold and discussions need to commence with the Bulldogs, Canterbury Council and the State and Federal Governments so that Belmore can again become the Bulldogs’ rightful home ground."

Back to Belmore Inc. calls on the Bulldogs Rugby League Club to extend their lease on Belmore rather than relinquish it and is in the process of contacting candidates for the 2008 Bulldogs’ Board of Directors to confirm their policy on Belmore Sports Ground.

New candidates for the Bulldogs’ Board of Directors include Club stalwarts Andrew Farrar, Paul Dunn, Barry Ward and Graeme Hughes.