The population growth in Orange and surrounding area has exceeded expectations - projections in 2006 suggested that the Orange population would not reach 41,000 until the year 2021 however this number was surpassed in 2016. And the largest demographic in Orange when broken into 10 year brackets is kids aged 0-9 followed by 10-19 and then adults aged 30-39. This is young families driving growth in our city. These are the traditional users of sporting facilities and we need to make sure we cater for them today and into the second half of this century.

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. We are building a precinct for the entire community.

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 and 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.

Now more than ever there is greater recognition of the economic value that sporting events provide and it has been a real focus for Orange to attract not only the high profile events but the high participation events to capitalise on these economic opportunities. The provision of quality facilities is key to attracting and successfully hosting these events. This precinct will fill that gap.

The city is already well serviced for recreation spaces with a strong environmental focus including Gosling Creek Reserve, Bloomfield Park, Hinton Reserve, Black Sally Reserve and Moulder Park. Add to this some of the city's other regional level parks and recreational facilities like Lake Canobolas, Cook Park and Orange Botanic Gardens and it is hard to dispute that Council has not provided for future growth.

Some tree removal is inevitable on the site but Council will preserve as many trees as possible and will be committed to planting more across the site. And it should be noted that this proposal is for the northern nine holes and does not encroach on the southern nine holes around the hospital.

When Council purchased the site of the Northern Distributor Road (NDR) for a sports precinct the golf course was still operational and not available. This does not mean the NDR site will not remain a community asset. It will still be available as the city grows.

There is no question the proposed site for the sports precinct is superior to any other site available to Council:

The project has received $25 million in state government funding which represents one of the largest single contributions Council has ever received - state or federal. This is a once in a multi-generation opportunity for the community of Orange - a sporting facility that will cater for local, regional, state and national level events.

I am happy to stand by this as a great opportunity and development for the Orange community.