ELECTION foes Sussan Ley and Kevin Mack will need to cast aside any lingering tension for Albury-Wodonga to reap the maximum bang for buck from the federal government's regional deal for the twin cities.
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Ms Ley and Cr Mack went head-to-head in a sometimes brutal battle in the federal seat of Farrer which was comfortably retained by the Liberal incumbent last Saturday.
The Albury mayor has returned to the role this week and attention will turn shortly to the strategic planning for the regional deal which has a guaranteed $3.1 million on the table as a federal Coalition budget item.
Cr Mack and his Wodonga counterpart Anna Speedie played important roles in advancing the twin cities to be considered for a regional deal which has opened the funding floodgates in other centres including Launceston and Townsville.
But Ms Ley is adamant business and industry leaders need a seat at the table in the strategic planning phase and not left solely to local government.
NSW Business Chamber regional manager Andrew Cottrill agreed.
"We believe the strategic consultation associated with the regional deal will be an important piece of work, as it will identify and prioritise specific projects that will benefit the economies of both cities," he said.
"It is critical that business is involved in the consultative process and we will be a very keen participant."
The deal, in part, will look at breaking down regulatory and governance barriers faced by the two cities, but major infrastructure projects have to be agreed to by federal, state and local governments before their inclusion and future funding provided.
A single campus hospital and an indoor pool were brought up in the election campaign as potential projects for the deal.
Mr Cottrill said harmonising cross-border regulatory anomalies presently experienced in the building, hospitality and taxi industries were worthy of inclusion in the deal along with completion of the Davey Road southern access ramps and associated infrastructure at NEXUS industrial estate.
Other moving parts for the regional deal post the election include the composition of the Coalition ministry.
Victorian senator Bridget McKenzie was also a key player in advancing the Albury-Wodonga deal as regional services and local government and decentralisation minister.
Ms Ley was also appointed assistant minister for regional development last August and is being touted for a return to cabinet.
Another Victorian senator, Liberal Jane Hume, who made regular appearances in Indi during the election campaign, is also in line for a promotion.
Mr Morrison could announce his team as early as the weekend.