The NSW Government is facing a backlash in the marginal seat of Orange after Premier Gladys Berejiklian made a conditional promise to build a $25 million stadium and sports centre.

The Premier travelled to the central west on Wednesday — the first time she has been to the region since the Shooters, Farmers and Fishers Party (SFFP) took the seat from the Coalition by a mere 56 votes in a November 2016 by-election.

Agreeing the promise is an "election carrot", Ms Berejiklian said the stadium would not be built unless Nationals candidate Kate Hazelton was elected.

"Well it is, I am not going to be shy about that because I really want Orange to come back to the government," the Premier said.

"It is important for us to have a voice in government to make sure that Orange doesn't miss out.

"I am unashamedly calling on the Orange community to forgive us for our mistakes of the past, because we will get things done and make sure Orange gets its fair share."

The SFFP's Phil Donato has accused the premier of trying to blackmail the electorate. ( ABC Central West: Micaela Hambrett )

The SFFP local member Phil Donato watched on as the Premier made the promise, which would include seven sporting fields and a 1500-seat stadium.

"Essentially they are trying to blackmail the community, but just like Dubbo and Bathurst, Orange is entitled to its fair share — we are all tax payers," Mr Donato said.

"The government is there to represent the whole state, not represent certain electorates around the state where they have a representative of the government."

Instant backlash

Locals were quick to vent their fury via ABC Central West's radio text-line and Facebook page.

The choice of more gun freedom or a sporting facility? Hmm... I think I know which one I will choose. From Mary of Nashdale.

The arrogance shown by the current state government is proof they simply don't give a hoot about their constituents in the central west. To hold a community at ransom saying that if you vote for us we will give you a sports stadium is absolutely absurd. From Robert@Orange

Gladys doesn't understand! No the promise of a new stadium would not influence my vote! Jennifer - Shadforth

Wow does the premier Gladis realise the seat of Orange boundary is bigger than actual orange so the voters outside the town may not care about a sports ground and really resorting to blackmail wow it's going to be an interesting leading up to the election - Jill at Molong

Bridging the rural / city health and education gap would interest me more .. strategies to grow rural towns & increase rural employment opportunities - just a few quick ideas that might gain my interest. Jennifer

Gladys is delusional thinking that she can come to our electorate blackmailing people with her bribe and claim her government has learnt its lesson from the loss of the Orange bi-election. It's interesting how this government treats Treasury coffers as spending money for the LNP electorates as is seen constantly by money simply handed out to Bathurst and Dubbo electorates but all LNP seats are only offered bribes. Dream on Gladys as there will be no change to our local member at the election. Peter from Orange

The premier is not only holding Orange to ransom with the sports fields, but she won't send the needed police either, unless the national candidate is elected. Viv. Euabalong West.

'More of a carrot than a bribe': Nationals

Nationals MLC Rick Colless, who is also the Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW, said Ms Hazelton — who was only preselected on the weekend — was offered a range of projects to select as her first announcement

Mr Colless said she chose to make the stadium her priority, and added that he does not think it will backfire on the campaign.

"I don't think that it is an insult and it is certainly not a bribe, it can be seen more as a carrot than a bribe," he said.

"People have always accused us of pork-barrelling.

"If pork-barrelling is doing things and promoting projects that are going to make the lives of regional NSW better, then that is what it is."

He said while this will be the largest promise for the electorate, those to follow will not necessarily depend on Nationals winning the seat.

Impact on preferences

The Australian Conservatives announced this week that Gary McMahon would be running in the electorate.

The seat is one of only three in the lower house the party has decided to run in.

"I am a little cynical about it," Mr McMahon said of Ms Berejiklian's promise.

"The NSW Premier has access to state funds, huge amounts of money, to be able to fly in to Orange and offer $25 million to the people — but only if you vote for the Nationals" he said.

"One has to be a little suspicious."

He said the offer could affect the way Australian Conservatives makes its preference deals.