Asked about her number one concern ahead of the July 2 poll, La Maison St Arnaud B&B owner Kelly Briggs did not hesitate, saying it was the trucks.

She had also taken an opportunity to inform the Indi incumbent about the “reroute Rutherglen” group launched in recent weeks.

“We had Cathy McGowan’s ear on the train on the weekend,” Ms Briggs said.

“It would be in her best interest, as a local federal parliamentarian, to listen to what we’re saying.”

The Nationals’ Marty Corboy made the Rutherglen bypass part of his election campaign, calling for a slice of $565 million available for major infrastructure projects in regional Victoria.

But Ms Briggs said the town needed more than just statements from the candidates, it needed workable interim solution as soon as possible.

“There’s no point looking at a bypass, it will cost millions of dollars and take five years,” she said.

Sitting outside on the main street in the afternoon, Ms Briggs and fellow resident Gary Featherstone had to pause on several occasions when talking to The Border Mail because of the loud noise of passing trucks.

Mr Featherstone said an 680 extra trucks passed through Rutherglen each week since the Logic hub at Wodonga and Barnawartha Saleyards opened.

“This is the longest I’ve seen this main street with so many vacant shops,” he said.

The residents wanted curfews, further speed restrictions or weight limits to help lessen the impact on the town.

Ms Briggs said Rutherglen needed to attract more cafe and restaurant businesses, rather than trucks bringing dirt and excrement falling from the vehicles rather than real contribution to tourism.

“No one’s going to be able to pull up a B-Double at a fish and chip shop,” she said.

Many of the issues rested with VicRoads, but Rutherglen’s main street was firmly on the federal government radar when Indigo Shire won $900,000 from the national stronger regions fund in 2015.

The “reroute Rutherglen” group had safety fears for elderly, young families and tourists, which made up a large part of the town’s population.

“You wouldn’t get away with it in Melbourne,” Ms Briggs said.

“I always encourage my guests to leave their cars and walk down the street.”