Back to Belmore has collected more than 10,000 signatures in the petition calling on Canterbury City Council in collaboration with the State and Federal Governments to fund a much-needed upgrade of Belmore Sports Ground. The executive committee started the petition almost five years ago.

The 400-page document, which will be delivered to Council Chambers in Campsie later this week, contains the signatures of local residents, business owners and proponents of sport underneath the pledge: "We, the undersigned, urge Canterbury City Council and all key stakeholders to take all necessary steps to ensure the survival of Belmore Sports Ground as a top-class sporting facility."

President Luke Brailey said the organisation has been trying since 2005 to convince Canterbury Council that the facility needed to be preserved and restored as a multi-use sporting venue for future generations of athletes.

"An upgrade of Belmore Sports Ground would not only serve current athletes in the district but the next generation of sports players who aspire to play there," Mr Brailey said.

"We applaud the Bulldogs for recognising the value of their presence at Belmore and embracing the initiatives put forward by Back to Belmore since Todd Greenberg became Chief Executive 18 months ago. We strongly urge the venue's landlord [Canterbury Council] as well as the Keneally and Rudd Governments to make a critical investment in the future of this iconic facility before the long-term effects of dilapidation and deterioration cause irreparable damage. We cannot allow that to happen. Back to Belmore will continue to fight to make Belmore Sports Ground a sustainable and viable outlet for this generation of athletes and the next."