Wodonga is a city with so much history; yet is still so youthful.

One of the only places in the world where you could demolish and realign main streets to start fresh.

Wodonga is the best Australian city for recognising opportunity and embracing change.

You don't have to live in Wodonga to be excited about the future, or to benefit from the great facilities and lifestyle choices afforded to us all.

(Answer 2) We need to ensure we support our businesses and commit to building what we know works in the current (and future) world.

Increasing foot traffic should be the city's focus short term. Be it through COVID Safe events, capitalising domestic tourism or through local activations.

The time will come to host large events again, and Wodonga should be ready to lead the charge with our venues and open spaces available and ready. We have a great history of investing in and facilitating big events, we need more of them when the time is right.

(Answer 3) Still in its infancy we are yet to see the full potential, but it has provided a framework to support change for the betterment of our community.

Unified thinking and language that supports that are pivotal for us to drive investment on both sides of the border.

A competitive advantage we now have against other regional areas is that people have not just a choice of what city to establish in, but also which state.

At the end of the day, what is good for Wodonga, is good for everyone.

(Answer 4) I don't MTB, but everyone who does loves to "SEND IT!"

If planned, executed and managed correctly, I'm all for more mountain biking.

It is great to have any facility that encourages an active community and visitation to Wodonga.

The opportunity we are missing is shown on a map of Victorian riding locations, where we are shown as the destination supplying access through an airport, but not as a place to ride.

We might not have the highest hills, but we need to make the most of what we have, respectfully.

(Answer 5) I am excited for the future of our hospital and health services as a result of the deal.

People prioritise these services when choosing where to live and obviously good health is essential for us all. In addition, anything that attracts (and keeps) people here is a win for our community.

I will work hard, listening to and learning from each sector as they work with council to put their priorities forward.

The Regional Deal would also help us recover from the COVID downturn.

(Answer 1) The sense of community.

Having been a volunteer for the last 15 years in Wodonga and Albury I've been involved in countless projects in the community and made great friends as a result.

Wodonga's growth and CBD transformation has been significant and it would be good to see the momentum continue.

(Answer 2) Just about any answer would be correct after the impacts this year, clearly including anything to support local business and jobs.

To focus on two other specific areas: 1) support and lobbying for affordable and social housing to built locally 2) Lobbying for more state and federal government jobs, agencies and departments to relocate to Wodonga.

(Answer 3) It's a worthwhile intention and has been put together professionally.

As I've stated elsewhere, I'd like to see our slogan become 'ONE City One Community'.

(Answer 4) There should be a focus on developing a range of genuine new tourist attractions.

Developing more mountain bike tracks on the Wodonga hills could have great potential however given there are plenty of current users, as well as local residents around the hills, the community obviously needs to be fully consulted first.

Further tourist options worth exploring include relocating the Army Museum to public land and promoting it much more actively, and developing the Wodonga bank opposite Noreuil Park; ideally with a cabin park and potentially modelled on Echuca's wharf precinct.

(Answer 5) The single most beneficial outcome this agreement could produce is to redesignate Albury-Wodonga into a single administration zone, with the same car registration and licensing rules, same trade licences etc and an end to the barrier of so-called 'border anomalies'.

Additionally, it would prevent the possibility of another checkpoint division through the heart of Albury-Wodonga.

Albury Wodonga Health is in the same administration zone, which demonstrates that it is possible to bring it about for the rest of AlburyWodonga, in 2020 there are absolutely no benefits to different administration zones in both halves of our one city.

(Answer 1) The thing I love most about Wodonga is that it offers the ideal balance between a country lifestyle for all ages, and the food, culture, education, and events of a larger city.

(Answer 2) The council needs to stay focused on three key areas.

One. Connection and inclusion. Wodonga residents love to give back. The council should promote volunteering opportunities to increase community participation, expand community grants programs, and connect isolated residents to events, clubs, associations and activities.

Two. All-ages tourism. With international travel locked down many people from regional and interstate cities will be looking to travel within Australia. As a gateway city, Wodonga is perfectly placed for a tourism boom. Through the arts, cultural festivals, heritage tours, and events that highlight regional food offerings, we can attract families, grey-nomads, and weekenders with disposable incomes to grow the local economy.

Three. Jobs growth, jobs growth, and more jobs growth.

(Answer 3) The Two Cities, One Community initiative is in its infancy.

Teething issues aside, it remains a valuable strategic tool with multi-million dollar potential for jobs growth and investment.

From collaboration on infrastructure, to regional tourism, natural resource management, emergency planning, or sport and recreation expansion, the Two Cities, One Community initiative provides the framework to let us think big and invest long-term as a community.

(Answer 4) It is important that we take a consultative approach to growing mountain biking as an attraction in Wodonga.

Many sectors of the community from regular cyclists, to travellers, hikers, fitness groups, bushwalkers and weekenders are attracted to outdoor experiences.

Enhancing and maintaining our trails with signage, car parking, shade, and amenities need not come at the expense of the significant environmental and natural character of our hills.

Cycling is a sport with significant potential across many sectors of the economy from tourism and accommodation, to food and hospitality.

As a community we should seek to balance and maintain our cultural heritage and conservation goals while also promoting an active, positive and healthy lifestyle for our community.

(Answer 5) Our top priority must be recovering from the economic crisis created by COVID-19.

In real terms, that means leveraging our strengths by growing the tourism and visitor economy, healthcare and social assistance, and transport and logistics sectors.

Of course, economic development and job growth should not come at the expense of the social needs of the community.

Our older residents are entitled to an inclusive recovery that recognises their contribution through business, employment, education and volunteering.

As a councillor, I will advocate for reliable and affordable access to services that connect family and friends, businesses and employees.

(Answer 1) Having experienced many changes throughout my life, the Albury Wodonga Development Corporation was a key changer for our history.

Our location within the triangle between Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney for travel and transport is important to our region.

We have a great food bowl and tourist attraction industry.

However, my favourite aspect is our safe community to raise families, extensive walking paths and parklands, along with our four season climate makes Wodonga home for all to enjoy and invest in.

(Answer 2) Still experiencing the barriers with COVID-19 and not knowing the end date of this terrible period in history, the council needs to invest in its people supporting young parents and families through to emerging and current businesses.

Mental health and the health of our community will be more important over the next decade as we all learn to live with this virus.

Council needs to ensure our region gets support from every tier of government and agency available to support our community.

Supporting our economy and businesses that have taken the initiative to change the way they conduct business and assist the transition of reopening businesses effectively.

The next council term will be challenging, requiring flexibility addressing issues such as the border bubble to enable travel and trade between the states.

(Answer 3) Residents who have history living in our region will have experienced many methods to unite Albury-Wodonga such as the AWDC and the Albury Wodonga merger attempt with Victorian Premier Steve Bracks and NSW Premier Bob Carr.

The AWDC brought people and employment in the early days, such as the taxation office.

We now have 'Two Cities, One Community' which is driven by the Albury and Wodonga councils.

This has helped attract funding from the Regional Deal, a first cross state funded venture.

It was also how council achieved the jointly-funded, newly-built regional cricket facility.

Government would see the benefits of uniting the two councils being comparable in size to other regional centres such as Bendigo and Ballarat.

(Answer 4) In a well-planned sport and recreation strategy, designed to work with our open environment, I believe we should have more trails and tracks for our community.

A growing family sport that offers health benefits, could eventually be a hub for both mountain, road and rail tracks, bringing tourism and investment to our city and supports its vision: "Wodonga is a progressive, well planned, growing city that is affordable. Offering an abundance of opportunities and led by strong, empathetic stewardship".

(Answer 5) An interesting question at these times, as COVID-19 has affected our economy and lifestyle, and the current substantial plans are all worthwhile.

The new council will need to evaluate and ensure the projects nominated bring value, investment and continued prosperity to both cities.

'Gateway Island Feasibility' is in consideration.

I believe the top five priorities must be achievable and offer stimulation to the local economy for our region.

(Answer 1) I have the privilege of being born here in Wodonga, our community has all of the necessities and luxuries of a capital city but we have a lifestyle and freedom that isn't afforded to metro.

I love that I have been involved in my community since I could get onto the track at Wodonga Little Athletics, through football, hockey, army cadets and now the army reserve.

Community is about growing with others, I have grown up surrounded by people giving selflessly to others and this has shaped my identity and pride in Wodonga.

(Answer 2) With community in mind the council needs to acknowledge and support our volunteers through an extension of the Wodonga Volunteer Program.

This small investment will have the greatest effect on reinvigorating our community.

These many groups, from sporting bodies, youth development organisations to Wodonga Senior Citizens, are important in giving us a sense of purpose, mental safety, stability and health and should be a target for investment and support.

(Answer 3) The Two Cities One Community strategic plan and goals with a focus on community are great aspirations for the future.

Our community responded to the bushfires, showing others we are connected to our region, we are caring, equitable and inclusive with some great stories of support.

However, this pandemic unfortunately has highlighted some issues with the great divide being set up as a border checkpoint with differing rules on both sides of the river.

I think some of the regional priorities will need to be reviewed in particular liveability and access to health and health services.

(Answer 4) Standing for inclusion, due diligence, collaboration, communication and transparency allows me to look at this issue and make a decision based on those factors.

There are a number of things to look at from both parties including investment, sport and recreation, planning and growth as well as sustainability, the natural environment and liveability.

Until such time as I have engaged I would not be swayed to make an impromptu and unthought out or researched decision.

(Answer 5) The Regional Deal plan includes key elements that include supporting and growing agribusiness, transport and logistics, healthcare and tourism.

These do represent as opportunities and challenges where we can leverage off the strengths of our regional economy.

As we concentrate on these factors, decisions and priorities for funding should still be evidenced by strategic planning, community consultation and transparency.

(Answer 1) My favourite thing about living in Wodonga is that we can live a country life while able to access most city benefits.

We are surrounded by beautiful hills, parks and reserves.

A short drive, we have the Murray River, Lake Hume, wine and farming country and further out we have our surrounding mountains and snow fields.

Our people are friendly and welcoming.

Wodonga is a family friendly place to live, l know this as l have raised my children here.

We are so lucky to have fantastic sporting facilities, parks and reserves.

It is crucial that we keep it an affordable place to live.

(Answer 2) Reactivate High Street, too many empty shops.

Council should be consulting with shop and business owners to assist where they can and develop a plan to help address this.

State and federal housing grants are already providing stimulus to our economy.

We have been experiencing both strong residential and commercial land sales.

The flow-on effects from this will start to take effect once we are up and running from the COVID-19 restrictions.

Council could assist by cutting red tape and streamlining processes to support this market which for many years has been a strong economic and employment driver to our economy.

(Answer 3) A positive is that we have seen the appointment of a cross border commissioner to oversee anomalies.

More work is needed, but at least the issues are on the table and are getting discussed.

The agreement fostered cooperative communications between our two councils, state governments and federal government.

Albury-Wodonga councils, with the dedication of local state MPs working together was a strong impetus for resolving many of the COVID-19 border crossings complications.

They have been were worked through in a positive and bipartisan way.

It is hoped greater co-operation between all three levels of government will see shared funding for investment on infrastructure.

(Answer 4) Understanding the diverse terrain of our hills is uppermost when deciding on any future use or development of them.

Any development should not include areas of sensitive nature conservation land.

There is a place for passive activities on the hills.

Where the best place is for these activities requires careful planning, consultation and consideration, as does any future bike track development.

Huon Hill was the original designated place for a mountain bike hub.

(Answer 5) The Regional Deal top priority funding will be decided by the established committee and by both Albury-Wodonga councils.

It should include extensive community consultation and be fully transparent in all decisions.

There are many genuine community needs and infrastructure that require strategic planning and funding going forward.

A couple of priorities in my own 'personal opinion' are a need to now identify and secure a greenfield site for a new regional hospital and more funding for regional sporting facilities.

With our increasing population, the need to plan for necessary infrastructure is crucial.

(Answer 1) What is there not to like?

We have access to most facilities and services we need, plus we have lifestyle advantages at our doorstep, including the Murray River, Lake Hume, snowfields, and surrounding hills.

However, it has to be the people!

I returned to Wodonga in 2010 and was delighted to say hello to people I met when out walking on our beautiful hills, fire trails and through our well established parks, and receive a reply and smile.

Not all cities have this small courtesy and it shows Wodonga is welcoming and inclusive.

(Answer 2) Council needs to: support renewed economic development in many areas, including but not limited to our local businesses, marketing, tourism and manufacturing; support initiatives to allow rate assistance to small businesses; explore the possibility for grants to aid recovery and growth for existing and new economic possibilities; and get people back into employment, including our young adults.

Being new to the Council, if elected, it would be a matter of reviewing council's current strategies and listening to ratepayers' feedback.

Communication is key to this, so that the community as a whole recovers and grows.

(Answer 3) A collaborative approach to benefit Wodonga is always welcomed and encouraged.

This initiative includes goals benefiting our residents, including but not limited to, the Albury Wodonga destination marketing plan, integrated transport plan and consolidated sports and recreation strategy.

However, Wodonga is its own city.

We need to ensure we don't lose our own required services and facilities.

For example, a pound in Wodonga (not Lavington) would generate jobs locally, ensure animal welfare conditions at the Victorian standard of care, and not be reliant on a NSW facility.

Wodonga councillors need to put Wodonga's interest first in any collaborative agreement.

(Answer 4) Wodonga City Council has a Wodonga Hills Strategy planning document that will be further reviewed and developed during 2021.

Wodonga has the most beautiful hills around it, all with their own unique qualities.

Personally, I love walking at least one of them most weeks where I can enjoy the nature, the views and of course the occasional kangaroo.

If elected, I will have an open mind on anything that may benefit the community and tourism.

I will do that by taking into account council's current strategy and also through what local residents are telling me.

(Answer 5) I would support initiatives and incentives regarding the availability and affordability of industrial land that would aid crucial investment from businesses currently situated in major cities, allowing them to transfer their manufacturing businesses to Wodonga.

This would create many local employment opportunities, encourage new residents to resettle within Wodonga, and our overall regional communities, from the major cities as Wodonga is seen as a safe place to live and work.

New manufacturing would encourage families to the region for work, create new school enrolments, retail spending and overall increased economic recovery.

Industry brings people, jobs and spending.

This is the first in a three-part series with answers to these questions from other candidates to appear over coming days.