A report was presented to Leeton Shire Council's recent ordinary meeting that recommended $5000 be donated to the Fight Cancer Foundation to assist with construction of the Hilltop Regional Accommodation Centre for cancer patients in Albury.

This centre has already helped 16 Leeton families during its two years of operation.

While this was acknowledged, some councillors said they would prefer the money be spent with a local organisation such as Leeton's Can Assist branch.

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Others, including councillor Tony Ciccia, were supportive of the idea.

Cr Ciccia moved for $10,000 to be donated saying the centre provides valuable support for cancer patients.

However, this motion was voted down.

"I would rather spend the money in our shire," councillor Tony Reneker said.

"I would be more conscious of supporting a local group." This was a train of thought councillor Paul Smith agreed with.

"It's a very, very worthwhile cause ... I think we can all agree with that," he said.

"The biggest problem I have with it (the donation) is we have local cancer support groups here.

"The go out and they raise money, they cook, they run raffles to aid everyone that needs cancer treatment whether that's in Albury, Wagga, Griffith or Sydney. They help everyone.

"I think I would much prefer that money ... stay local. So it's not just the people that can go to Albury.

"That way we are covering a whole broader scope of people."

In the end council did vote in favour of the original $5000 donation to the centre and will likely specify what it would like the money spent on to ensure there is more value for buck.

This could be furniture items or specific equipment.