A MULTI-million-dollar upgrade of sports facilities at Arkinstall Park at Tweed Heads South could be fast-tracked in the wake of the Gold Coast winning the right to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Tweed Shire councillors have voted to chase $3.7 million in Federal Government funding available for regional development to add to $2.5 million it already has set aside in fees from developers to pay for the upgrade.

Councillors at Tuesday's meeting rejected a staff recommendation that $8.9 million in the special regional funding be sought to build the proposed Kingscliff Central Park, with councillors arguing they had a better chance of securing the funding for Arkinstall Park.

"Arkinstall Park is a shovel-ready project," said Cr Warren Polglase.

"There's a thousand netballers play there on a weekend. We are in with a very good chance.

"The project delivers all the outcomes the Federal Government is looking for."

Cr Kevin Skinner said "bearing in mind the Commonwealth Games have just been given to the Gold Coast it may the opportunity to attract some inter- nationals trainers" if the sports facilities were upgraded.

"We could be the region where the athletes come to prepare for the games," added Cr Joan van Lieshout.

Greens councillor Katie Milne was against the move, saying Arkinstall Park had already received the first stage of its planned upgrades and pursuing funds for further work on the Jack Evans Boat Harbour in Tweed Heads should have priority.

Cr Milne said that work should include building stages for performances and proposed barbecue areas.

"We should be looking to really get the Tweed Shire moving and support our businesses in the Tweed Heads area - the first port of call," she said.

Council staff said the Arkinstall Park project would provide improved regional sporting facilities "for higher levels of competition, such as enabling State-level competitions for netball and providing a regional tennis facility which complies with the requirements identified by Tennis Australia/NSW".

It would also include new public amenities, upgrades to the existing club building, lighting of additional courts, resurfacing to three synthetic courts, improved car-parking arrangements along Cunningham St, and new recreation areas which would include picnic facilities.