The Albury-Wodonga Regional Deal is officially underway minus the fanfare of a statement of intent signing ceremony taking place due to the strict COVID-19 travel restrictions in place.
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Federal, state and local government representatives have put to pen to paper to kick-start a move which could have the biggest growth impact on the twin cities and wider region since the formation of the Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation in the 1970s.
It is the first cross-border deal created by the federal government which will attempt to iron out long-standing regulatory barriers faced by Albury and Wodonga businesses and create more jobs and community infrastructure.
Priorities are expected to revealed mid-way through next year with community and advisory groups to also focus on education and health and supporting the indigenous community
The statement of intent signing ceremony was due to take place on Monday, but in an ironic twist the occasion was swamped by the NSW government's decision to shut its border to Victoria due to the coronavirus second wave taking place in Melbourne.
"We recognise the current challenging circumstances for Albury-Wodonga as an important border town," federal assistant minister for regional development Nola Marino said.
"The evolving COVID-19 pandemic situation and the subsequent border closures are directly affecting the region and all towns along the Victorian border.
"While these measures are necessary to ensure the health and safety of our community, we recognise the social and economic hardship they place on communities.
"So our collective commitment to the Albury Wodonga Regional Deal has never been more important than it is right now and signing the statement of intent is a vital step forward."
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The regional deal will also move forward with planning already undertaken by Albury and Wodonga councils through their Two Cities, One Community partnership launched in 2017.
"This is a significant step forward in delivering this landmark agreement for the Albury-Wodonga region, setting out our collective vision and commitment to the region and the people who live and work there," Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said.
Farrer MP Sussan Ley said the regional deal had exciting potential.
"This cross border region is always at its best when we are able to work together," she said.
Victoria's regional development minister Jaclyn Symes said the focus areas would shape deal commitments.
"Locals should be consulted, as they know what will work best to meet community needs," she said.
Albury mayor Kevin Mack said it was crucial to "work hand-in-hand with the local community at every step".
Wodonga mayor Anna Speedie believed the regional deal could help the area bounce back from the twin challenges of bushfires and COVID-19.
The deal was announced more than a year ago by Victorian Senator Bridget McKenzie.
"This historic deal needs all levels of government on the same page and working together with the community and I am delighted that the signing formally commits all parties to see the Albury Wodonga region prosper over the next decade," she said.
