The Environmentally Concerned Citizens of Orange and Futuring Orange have written to Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Planning Minister Rob Stokes.

They said they were concerned council was rushing through the tree lopping decision because of an apparent government time limit on its commitment to fully fund the sports complex.

However, Orange mayor Reg Kidd said council was not rushing the project and had engaged in extensive community consultation.

"I object to ECCO and Futuring Orange making completely erroneous statements and pushing their own agenda," he said.

Cr Kidd said he would contact the state government to tell them the groups were 'misleading people'.

The groups said Orange could gain both a sporting complex and an urban park if the sports complex was moved to another location, with the original site on the Northern Distributor Road preferred.

"We request your urgent attention to this matter," their letter states. "It would be most helpful if Orange City Council could be assured that the deadline for project completion can be relaxed or extended.

"When they were questioned as to why they can't delay removal of the 513 trees until after the development application for the sports precinct project has been approved, the response is that they 'don't have time' as they can't afford to be a few weeks behind on the project and still meet the deadline.

"lt seems there is a fear that they must 'use it or lose it.'

"The problem with this scenario is that it may eventuate that the sports precinct DA is not approved in that location, so the 513 trees will have been destroyed for no reason."

Futuring Orange director Kate Hook said Orange could achieve a 'triple win' by gaining the sports complex and the park and benefit council and the government in gaining 'votes of appreciation' plus providing a boost for property values, tourism and more green space.

ECCO member Malcolm Stacey has sent a submission to council arguing the plan was against council planning policy to enhance the urban tree canopy in Orange.

"At a time when Orange City Council is encouraging population growth, it defies understanding that council plans to remove a large mature parkland tree canopy that is already playing a significant role in reducing our 'urban heat island' effect."

A council statement said it had signed funding agreements and was working on planning approvals for the project.

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