Berejiklian, Barilaro's contradicting messages on Orange funding

In the Orange electorate on Thursday, state Nationals leader Mr Barilaro said the $25 million required to build the north Orange facility was no longer dependent upon his party's candidate, Kate Hazelton, defeating member for Orange Phil Donato at next month's election.

"If Kate's not part of that, that's fine, we'll deal with that election commitment," he said.

Hours later, Ms Berejiklian reaffirmed her controversial statement - made in Robertson Park last Wednesday - that the funding would not be forthcoming should Mrs Hazelton be defeated at the polls on March 23.

"I stand by all of my comments," she said.

Asked if the mixed messages from her and her deputy could confuse voters in the battleground electorate, the Premier responded, "the people of Orange have a clear choice".

"I made that point clear and it's a matter for them."

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The sporting precinct plan – developed by Orange City Council on a site near the Northern Distributor Road – would make the city a regional hub for sporting events, according to Ms Berejiklian.

It would include an AFL, cricket and multipurpose oval; an athletic field and track with covered, tiered seating; and a main rugby union/league field with a 1500-seat grandstand and seating mounds, with a total capacity for 8500.

Ms Berejiklian's promise has come under fire in the week since it was offered, with Mr Donato labeling it a "bribe" and threatening to report it to the NSW Electoral Commission for investigation.

Mr Barilaro was announcing an $8 million road funding package for the Orange electorate when he was asked about the sports complex funding.