The Border "must" be number one on the list of priority regional cities aiming to assist in growing Australia's economy, according to local business leaders.
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Their reaction comes after Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott's address at the National Press Club on Tuesday calling for the federal government to select 10 regional cities to be given special status to stimulate economic growth.
NSW Business Chamber Murray-Riverina manger Andrew Cottrill said Albury-Wodonga is the "obvious first choice".
"We have to be on that list. This idea absolutely lines up with where we should be as a regional hub in Australian business and the community landscape," he said.
"We are ideally situated at the centre of the major highways, have two freight hubs and a significant airport with linkages to the two largest cities."
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Australian Industry Group Hume and Riverina manager Tim Farrah said the Border fits the criteria "to a tee". "Where do we even start when trying to describe what Albury-Wodonga has to offer?" he said.
"We have a great workforce and already have some of the biggest businesses here including Mars, Nestle and Vitasoy. There is not just economical reasons either but also that great lifestyle."
Mr Farrah said Ms Westacott's suggestion is "a good one", but it is just an idea.
"It will be interesting to see how the government responds in the next few days. Albury-Wodonga geographically is the best fit right between Melbourne and Sydney.
"No other region can replicate that."
Ms Westacott said it was time for regional Australia to be supported in leading the way in lifting the economy.
"If we are to truly play to our strengths as a nation, we must unleash the potential of our people, our places and our capabilities, wherever they fall on a map," she said.
"Doing this at scale and finding new markets will help transform our regional centres, creating more jobs, more businesses and more opportunities."