Six months after a regional deal was announced for Albury-Wodonga, the Border is still waiting to see details of the promised benefits.
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When then Regional Services Minister Bridget McKenzie made her address at the National Press Club in March, she said $3.1 million of initial funding will be used for strategic planning, to speak to councils and chambers of commerce to map out details of the deal.
No specific projects or a timeframe have been locked in just yet.
"Both councils have been working closely with the Australian government and both state governments laying the groundwork for the regional deal," Albury and Wodonga councils said in a joint statement to The Border Mail.
"The councils have undertaken a range of pre-planning activities and await the final sign-off from the states for this historic partnership.
"We look forward to progressing the exciting opportunities that a regional deal will provide."
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The regional deal, and Senator McKenzie's statement that Albury-Wodonga could reach a combined population of 375,000 in two decades, is driving the Border's plans and formed part of joint a submission to the federal government's Jobs for the Future in Regional Areas inquiry.
"This confidence supports the cities' opportunity to ensure Albury-Wodonga prospers over the next decade by supporting population growth and economic development while also ensuring it remains a nationally significant, livable and vibrant region," the submission stated.
"Both AlburyCity and Wodonga councils are working alongside the Australian government to facilitate stakeholder consultation to better understand the needs of the community in the context of the regional deal."
Regional Development Australia's Hume region chair Susan Benedyka also talked about the regional deal during her meetings with government officials in Canberra.
"The regional deal discussions were very productive and a great opportunity to give our view on how it will stimulate population growth and economic development," she said.