Bill Buckpitt was on council when then Victorian premier Jeff Kennett announced plans to remove the rail line more than a decade ago.

“This is great news,” he said.

“Clearly no one is saying that this is perfect, it’s not the end of the line but it’s a start.”

Mr Buckpitt was not alone in his support.

Two long-time High Street businessmen can’t wait for the makeover of the Wodonga CBD.

Michael Jensen has been a butcher on the northern side of the High Street rail crossing for more than 40 years.

“For too long this side of the railway has been left to fend for itself but with the Manns’ development and now this we will see Wodonga change,” he said.

Bill Toole has worked at the Tooles Disposal Store for more than four decades.

“There is so much land there, in the centre of town, developers would have to be interested,” he said.

“We’ve seen enormous residential growth in Wodonga and that hasn’t been matched commercially or with retail.

“This plan looks like that may change.”