Orange sporting clubs and groups have been urged to speak up and show their support for the $25 million Orange sports precinct planned for Bloomfield.
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Cr Jason Hamling has sent a letter to sports bodies in the city suggesting they publicly back the project to provide sporting fields and a main stadium next to Sir Jack Brabham Park.
Cr Hamling said opponents of the project, particularly those concerned at the lopping of about 500 trees on the former golf course site to make way for the sports fields, were speaking out.
It's the silent majority who want the precinct
- Cr Jason Hamling
He said the 'silent majority' also needed to be heard.
"I know there is a lot of support for it. It's the silent majority who want the precinct," he said.
"I ask that you publicly support the project to be constructed adjoining the Jack Brabham site by writing to the [Central Western Daily] and responding to negative comments," he said.
"It would also be great to see a public gathering on the site of people and sporting groups who support the development. I would be happy to assist in organising this."
He said Orange needed more sporting facilities and this project, fully funded by the state government, was an opportunity to meet demand.
"The numbers back it up. Our biggest growth group is 0-4 years. They are going to need somewhere to play sport in the future," he said.
"In the last 10 years there has been a marked increase in female participation in traditionally male-dominated sports including cricket and the football codes which is placing additional load on existing facilities including ground availability and amenities. The city's premier sportsground, Wade Park (currently used for cricket and rugby league) is being developed by council with a strong focus on cricket.
"In recent years it has become more apparent that permanent cricket wickets are less accepted by the football codes. The need for a dedicated football facility is a priority.
"Despite a strong athletics club in Orange, the lack of a permanent athletics facility has limited opportunity for the sport to reach its full potential.
"The NSW schools' athletic program also runs outside the summer athletic season so it has been increasingly challenging for schools to access suitable facilities for carnivals and training. This new precinct will address that problem."
Cr Hamling said he had also heard concerns from Orange Hospital on-call doctors about the precinct creating traffic jams that might delay them getting to hospital emergencies.
He said there were entrances to the hospital off both Forest and Huntley roads for staff to use.
"There will have to be a traffic study done as part of the development application process. It is something we would have to take into consideration," he said.
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