A statement of intent signing event was scheduled to be held yesterday with Acting Prime Minister Michael McCormack expected to attend, but was called off when Ms Symes couldn't join the federal government, NSW government and Albury and Wodonga councils.

Ms Symes said upon receiving the invitation to the statement of intent signing she indicated she had another commitment and couldn't attend.

"To suggest this project has anything other than the Victorian government's full support is incorrect and disappointing," she said.

"Our record in supporting Wodonga speaks for itself and we look forward to meeting with all partners in the regional deal in 2020."

The date for the statement of intent signing was confirmed in mid-November and came around the same time Albury and Wodonga council delegations consisting of mayors and chief executives Kevin Mack, Anna Speedie, Frank Zaknich and Mark Dixon were in Canberra for talks with federal government representatives about the regional deal.

Benalla-born Ms Symes has taken a whack at the federal government for its original announcement of the regional deal at a Press Club event hosted by National Party deputy leader and Victorian Senator Bridget McKenzie.

"The Commonwealth's support of the deal was announced as a hasty last-minute election commitment with no consultation with the states," Ms Symes said.

Ms McKenzie declined to comment because the regional deal was no longer part of her portfolio area.

Nola Marino is now in charge of the regional deal and was contacted for comment.

In addition to the statement of intent signing, at a date to be fixed in the new year, a committee will also be formed to drive the formative stages of the deal.

The committee is expected to be made up of business, health and education representatives along with Albury and Wodonga councils.

Meanwhile, Cr Mack and Cr Speedie, clinicians including David Clancy and the Border Medical Association's Scott Giltrap joined Albury Wodonga Health's board and senior management for talks about emerging challenges in the delivery of the region's health services in a catchment area of 300,000-plus people.

"Albury Wodonga Health will revisit its service and master plans in the first quarter of 2020 to ensure they acknowledge current and projected increases in demand, including plans for service expansion and capital requirements," AWH chief executive Michael Kalimnios said.

"Our first priority is and will always be patient safety and a positive experience for all who access our services.

"We recognise some stakeholders have concerns related to the planning for delivery of a safe and sustainable service within boundaries of a cross-border jurisdiction and funding limitations."