Nationals candidate for Orange Kate Hazelton has sided with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian in contradicting Deputy Premier John Barilaro about funding for a $25 million sports precinct for Orange.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Thursday, Ms Berejiklian reasserted her conditional promise of funding for Orange's purpose-built sporting precinct just hours after her coalition colleague back-flipped on the controversial pledge.
In the Orange electorate on Thursday, state Nationals leader Mr Barilaro said the $25 million required to build the north Orange facility was no longer dependent upon his party's candidate, Kate Hazelton, defeating member for Orange Phil Donato at next month's election.
"If Kate's not part of that, that's fine, we'll deal with that election commitment," he said.
I stand by all of my comments.
- NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian
Hours later, Ms Berejiklian reaffirmed her controversial statement - made in Robertson Park last Wednesday - that the funding would not be forthcoming should Mrs Hazelton be defeated at the polls on March 23.
"I stand by all of my comments," she said.
Asked if the mixed messages from her and her deputy could confuse voters in the battleground electorate, the Premier responded, "the people of Orange have a clear choice".
"I made that point clear and it's a matter for them."
On Friday, Mrs Hazelton made it clear that the Coalition would only fund the sports facility if she is elected and the Liberal National would not do any deals with the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party.
"I'm very optimistic that the Liberal National Party will get back in and they will not do any deal with Phil Donato," Mrs Hazelton said.
POLL: Have your say …
- Poll conducted by polldaddy
The sporting precinct plan – developed by Orange City Council on a site near the Northern Distributor Road – would make the city a regional hub for sporting events, according to Ms Berejiklian.
It would include an AFL, cricket and multipurpose oval; an athletic field and track with covered, tiered seating; and a main rugby union/league field with a 1500-seat grandstand and seating mounds, with a total capacity for 8500.
Ms Berejiklian's promise has come under fire in the week since it was offered, with Mr Donato labeling it a "bribe" and threatening to report it to the NSW Electoral Commission for investigation.
Mr Barilaro was announcing an $8 million road funding package for the Orange electorate when he was asked about the sports complex funding.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below …