Digital connectivity, emergency preparedness and tourism and infrastructure were the key topics raised between Indi government leaders and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Tuesday.
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Indi MP Helen Haines and Wodonga mayor Kev Poulton sat down with the treasurer at Parliament House to discus the region's 2021 Budget investment priorities.
Due to Victoria's snap COVID-19 lockdown, Strathbogie Shire mayor Chris Raeburn, Alpine Shire mayor John Forsyth, Wangaratta Shire mayor Dean Rees, Towong Shire mayor David Wortmann and Wodonga City Council chief executive Mark Dixon participated in the meeting via video link.
As a resident of Albury, Cr Poulton was able to make the trip to Canberra to take part in a meeting with Mr Frydenberg for around 40 minutes.
Dr Haines said the treasurer was particularly understanding of the challenges the region had faced in the last 12 months, as economic recovery now becomes a priority.
"The treasurer really understood our region not only had to deal with bushfires, but then COVID and the triple effect of the border closing," she said.
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"He really understood that it's so important for economic stimulus in our area to make sure that we have the tourism products we need to bring people in."
Improvements to regional emergency relief facilities and various roads were raised as ways of being prepared if another bushfire crisis was to eventuate.
The region's representatives also highlighted the need for improved digital connectivity, with some areas still having trouble despite the roll out of the NBN.
"The last time I spoke to the treasurer before the October budget I asked him to build into the Building Better Regions Fund a specific tourism fund. We told him that that had been great, but we needed more of that," Dr Haines said.
Wodonga' Mr Dixon said the regional councils had been fortunate to have had face-to-face-time with the treasurer to highlight the unique circumstances faced by communities over the last 12 months.
"We think it was a special case for the treasurer to look at our region in particular and look at some targeted funding to help hospitality, arts and culture," he said.
"Those businesses have really had a tough time.
"We also spoke to the treasurer about the fact that not every business has done badly over the last few months, some have done well. So it's how we get that targeted money to those people who need it most.
"The treasurer had a very good understanding and I think our delegation was really well received."
