STANTHORPE Art Gallery Society president Keith Brownjohn has asked Southern Downs Regional Council to allocate an extra $30,000 from the 2018-19 budget to cover the cost of vital conservation works on several paintings.

One painting in the collection is outlined as being in need of "immediate” conservation and several others require moderate or non-urgent work.

Eight Stanthorpe artworks are currently undergoing restoration that could not be put off any longer.

Mr Brownjohn said conservation and restoration work required skilled expertise.

"It is a very meticulous work, you wouldn't leave it to just anyone.”

The gallery invested $12,000 in the restoration of a $300,000 painting two years ago. Keeping the gallery's collection of over 900 paintings in good nick was important for the economic and historic benefit of the collection.

"There are still people in Stanthorpe who remember their grandparents donating works to the gallery,” Mr Brownjohn said.

Mr Brownjohn said there were up to 30 other paintings that would need attention in coming years.