The CFA and Department of Environment, Water, Land and Planning were replying to criticism from city councillors upset at them snubbing Wodonga Hills Advisory Group meetings.

The fire brigade's representative was a no-show at all 10 gatherings between August and February, while DELWP's agent was at only half of those meetings.

Mayor Anna Speedie told Monday night's council meeting "what's very disappointing is when you have paid authorities that are actually supposed to be sitting at the table and they don't bother to turn up, despite being contacted multiple times".

CFA District 24 operations manager Brett Myers said he could not say why the brigade had not had a presence.

"CFA will work with council directly to rectify their concerns and are not aware of any recent attempts to contact CFA about council's concerns prior to the issue being raised at the council meeting on Monday," Mr Myers said.

"CFA has worked with council on the Wodonga Hills Activation Strategy since 2016, providing formal submissions...information and attending meetings with council staff and other stakeholders when required.

"Over the past 18 months CFA has also provided comment and attended meetings regarding the Wodonga Hills Bushfire Management Plans, this is continuing at present with the bushfire plan for Mahers Hill."

Minutes for the 10 meetings show CFA community safety manager Darren Viney was an apology for six and no apology was given for the remainder.

DELWP had its regional Manager for land and built environment James Stewart attend five meetings before his retirement in December.

His successor Gini Harris has been an apology for two meetings and in a statement to The Border Mail did not say why she had not attended although it is believed she had not started her new job at the time of those forums.

"Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning enjoys a productive relationship with Wodonga City Council on a range public land initiatives and programs," Ms Harris said.

"We are committed to continuing to provide technical advice to the Wodonga Hills Advisory Group."

The interim report of the group makes nine recommendations to the council.

One urges council to take on "management of available Crown Land parcels within the Hills precincts, to allow a seamless approach to action implementation".

Another seeks a communication plan to ensure the public is regularly notified of the progress of the hills' plan.