At council's latest meeting Mayor Cr Reg Kidd used his casting vote after the 10 councillors were split 5-5 to see the request defeated.

Cr Sam Romano, who like Mr Donato represents the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, asked councillors to show support for the local member.

"I have noted he hasn't really got much recognition for what he did in the background," he said.

He asked council to "acknowledge the contribution of the state member in securing the precinct/sports stadium."

The government has committed $25 million for the precinct at Bloomfield.

Cr Russell Turner, who represented the National Party as the state member for Orange, questioned Mr Donato's involvement.

"What contribution did he make? It [Hansard] says the premier had already been committed to $25 million for the sports precinct when it was on the Northern Distributor," he said.

"They had made that commitment before the local member even raised it in parliament."

Cr Kidd said a lot of people had contributed to securing the funding. He proposed also sending letters of thanks to the Premier Gladys Berejiklian, deputy premier John Barilaro and Upper House MP Sam Farraway, however that was also defeated.

Cr Kevin Duffy said the premier's initial offer of the funding during the 2019 election campaign was on the proviso Nationals candidate Kate Hazelton was elected.

"Someone must have changed her mind. I don't care who it was, it was fantastic news that it was changed," he said.

It took three goes at counting votes in the online meeting to get a decision.

Cr Glenn Taylor said the initial vote was called at 5-3, even though there were 10 councillors.

"It's good to see a bit of old-fashioned politics back in the chamber," he said.

This week he said it was "not a good look" for the council. "I didn't see it would have done any harm for us to acknowledge Phil's commitment."

Mr Donato said this week he was "disappointed" by the decision.

"Disappointed really, I don't do it for recognition by the council. And disappointed in the mayor as he had the casting vote. That's council politics," he said.

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