Sporting Precinct, with building works expected to begin on site in early December.
At its meeting on 7 October, Council resolved to award the contract to Zauner Construction following a competitive tender process that initially shortlisted six firms. Two withdrew during the process, resulting in four final contenders.
This stage of the project focuses on delivering key built infrastructure and follows planning consent from the Western Region Planning Panel and General Terms of Approval from Heritage NSW.
Zauner Construction has a solid track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects and will be responsible for:
- The John Davis Stadium, featuring a 1350-seat grandstand
- Athletics amenities to support the recently completed fields 1-8
- Landscaping in front of the John Davis grandstand
At a meeting on October 7 Council accepted the tender by Zauner Construction Pty Ltd for $15.6 million for the construction of John Davis Stadium and provisionally accepted the Tender received for $4.2 million for Athletics Phase 1 project subject to the completion of further formal contract negotiations.
Zauner's experience includes:
- The Orange Regional Museum
- Bloomfield Medical Centre
- Wagga Wagga Multipurpose Stadium
- Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre
- Wodonga Aquatic Centre
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said awarding the tender marks a turning point in the precinct's delivery, building on the extensive work already completed.
"This is the moment we've been working towards – the green light to get boots on the ground and start building," Cr Mileto said.
"It's taken careful planning, collaboration across all levels of government, and a lot of hard work to get here. I want to thank the Australian and NSW governments for their support and investment in this project."
"Over the next 12 months, we'll see real progress as this vision begins to take shape."
The Orange Regional Sporting Precinct is supported by $74.5 million in government funding – $59.5 million from the NSW Government and $15 million from the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program.
Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Recreation and Culture Policy Committee, Cr Tammy Greenhalgh, said the precinct will be a source of pride for the community.
"This is about more than infrastructure, it's about opportunity," Cr Greenhalgh said.
"We're building a precinct that will support grassroots sport, attract major events, and give our young athletes a place to dream big."
Construction is expected to begin before the end of the year, with staged delivery continuing through 2026.
Senator Deborah O'Neill, Labor Spokesperson for Calare said:
"The Albanese Labor Government is proud to partner with the council and the state government to realise this vision for the Orange Regional Sporting Precinct."
"This is fantastic news for Orange as we now enter the construction phase for the sports precinct. These contemporary facilities will create jobs and deliver lasting benefits for the Orange community."
The athletics track, grandstand, change rooms and photo finish room, will be delivered in a future stage, pending development approval and tenders. Work on preparing the development application for this element of the project is under way.
