The $800,000 federal government funds need to be spent by December 31, next year.

A report, which will be presented to councillors, recommends the money be earmarked for the trouble-plagued QEO surface upgrade.

“Council has resolved to upgrade this surface to a standard that can accommodate local, state and, at times, national competition,” the report said.

“Unfortunately there is a perception within the community that the main motivation in pursuing this upgrade is to accommodate the standards required for VFL competition.

“This is clearly not the case.

“An upgrade is necessary because of the deteriorating state of the soil profile and is needed irrespective of any level or standard of competition.

“It is strongly contended that the main beneficiaries of these works will in fact be the local competitions and the local community.

“It should be noted that endeavours are being made to obtain a contribution from the local football community and this will offset the council commitment.”

The council’s 2010/2011 budget provides for a total allocation of $2 million, with a contribution of $1.5 million from state and federal governments.

The federal government funding would be used for excavating existing soil, removing existing irrigation infrastructure, installation of a drainage system and building the root base.

In June the federal government rejected the council’s application for $1.5 million of funding and the council allocated $500,000 of its budget to resurfacing the ground.