A PAIR of Albury-Wodonga councillors want an accommodation park earmarked for the Lincoln Causeway to be fast-tracked to cater to greater domestic travel.
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One of them, Murray King, would also like the NSW and Victorian governments to fund the project which has been rated a top priority as part of the Two Cities, One Community compact.
The Albury councillor pointed to the COVID-linked border shutdown as a catalyst for the states to help.
"The focus of Australia is on Albury-Wodonga and the border closure and it's certainly something that could be positive out of this border situation and both states owe us and they need to give us help," Cr King said.
"I feel that both the NSW and Victorian government have really done the wrong thing by Albury-Wodonga in regards to the border closure and creating a red carpet approach to this initiative may go a way to make amends.
"I wouldn't like to see any ratepayers' money go to this, because it's a regional development."
Wodonga councillor Danny Lowe pointed to the federal government's Regional Deal as preferable for funding but added "I'd like to see the states kick in as well".
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The councillors hope that will be completed soon with a Murray River cultural heritage plan now being undertaken to filter into the study.
They envisage the park will extend from land used for visiting circuses, around the rear of the Victor Supper Club and include the area now occupied by Weatherall's masonry.
Glampers to budget travellers would be catered for with cabins, a playground, swimming pool and tennis court proposed.
Cr King and Cr Lowe want work to begin next year and cite overseas COVID travel restrictions as a fillip for the project.
"It's not about competing against other businesses, it's about filling a hole in the market," Cr Lowe said.
"We're not going to be able to travel overseas for two years, let's face it, so let's brand ourselves as a destination town."
Meanwhile, Cr Lowe will not seek to be Wodonga mayor if he is re-elected to council next month.
"I like to work behind the scenes, I don't necessarily like being the front person," Cr Lowe said.
"It's not about me, it's about the team as a whole and I think if we can get a good diverse range of councillors we'll get better outcomes for the city."
