That’s how member for Benambra Bill Tilley characterised Albury and Wodonga councils’ new partnership in a speech to parliament.

“It is a noble quest and not a time for self-aggrandising,” he told fellow MPs.

“Together we can get the recognition we deserve as the largest catchment on the Murray, the gateway to Victoria and a safety valve for the bulging metropolises that Melbourne and Sydney have become.”

But Mr Tilley warned that decision-makers would need to be flexible.

“In the past the bureaucrats have been splitting the population on the state boundaries,” he said.

“It has allowed them to stick to the red tape of funding criteria, ignore the true demands present and save money.

“Seeing Wodonga and Albury as one will require a leap of faith.

“It will not fit the model, but it could bring meaningful infrastructure and cost efficiencies.”