The Nationals will hold a party room meeting in the city on February 5, with all its federal MPs.

That will be followed by a two-hour cocktail reception at The Cube, and then the $1100-per-head event scheduled for the new Huon Hill Hotel. 

The invite to the top-priced dinner labels it “an open discussion and debate in Wodonga” and a “national policy forum”. 

Nationals’ federal director Scott Mitchell said eight to 10 people were likely to attend the dinner.

He said it was a “standard fundraiser”. 

“Quite often we charge more, depending on where we hold the events,” he said. 

The visit to Wodonga has led to speculation the party is preparing to make a run for the seat of Indi at next year’s federal election. 

Mr Mitchell and another party staff member said there would be no vote during the meeting for a Nationals’ candidate for the seat, now held by independent Cathy McGowan.

“That’s still a long way out,” he said. 

The sudden interest in Wodonga and short notice for the February meeting has raised questions from a well-placed Liberal Party source. 

“It really is a fund-raiser, not a forum,” they said of the planned dinner.

“Usually major fund-raisers are held after candidates have been preselected. 

“Why is this happening so quickly and so early?”

Nationals member Don Chambers said he believed running a candidate in Indi was likely to be discussed at the party room meeting. 

Nationals’ Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie will host the reception and ticketed event.

Ms McGowan did not want to comment on the $1100 price tag but said it would be “fantastic” to have the MPs in Wodonga.

“Indi is a really important seat for the whole of Australia,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to strong competition and giving the people of Indi a clear choice around policy.”