Contractors have started removing the first trees at Bloomfield to make way for Orange's $25 million sports precinct.
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Orange City Council Sport and Recreation policy committee chair Cr Jason Hamling said it was good to see work start.
"Today's the day we're finally getting on with it," he said.
Cr Hamling said a sports precinct had been his "number one priority" since being elected to council 17 years ago.
Today's the day we're finally getting on with it
- Cr Jason Hamling
He said it would "put Orange on the map" for attracting junior representative sports carnivals, A-League soccer games and other major events.
Cr Hamling said it would provide more options for training and, with a new stadium, remove the crossover between rugby league and cricket seasons at Wade Park.
Orange mayor Cr Reg Kidd said it was a long-awaited start to the project. "It's a win-win for everybody," he said.
Cr Kidd said the project had been through extensive community consultation.
"You'll never get 100 per cent agreement," he said.
A statement from Orange City Council said tree removal started on Tuesday to prepare the site for earthworks later this year.
"As this is a construction zone the work areas are closed to the public," it said.
"The work is being carried out under a COVID safe plan and the contractor has the relevant approvals to undertake the work."
It said this first stage prepared the site for a 1500-seat stadium alongside Forest Road and an athletics track next to Huntley Road plus barbecue areas, shade structures, a natural creek drainage system, pedestrian and cycle networks and parkland seating.
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