INDI federal independent MP Helen Haines, along with mayors from across North East Victoria, met with Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg to discuss 2021’s budget, and put forward a wish list of projects totalling almost $1 billion in parliament last week.

Alpine Shire Council mayor John Forsyth was in attendance at the meeting, albeit via teleconference, thanks to Victoria’s surprise snap lockdown.

Speaking with the Alpine Observer/Myrtleford Times, Cr Forsyth said the meeting had been a productive one, with a number of key issues discussed about what could be done for the betterment of the shire.

“There was quite a bit discussed, but one the main topics of discussion was around the Financial Assistance Grants,” said Cr Forsyth.

“These Financial Assistance Grants are something that just really, really help small rural councils exist and survive.

“So what I sought was clarity from the Federal Government as to how much these Financial Assistance Grants will be, how they are calculated and allocated.”

Cr Forsyth said regional connectivity, and the communication “black spots” that can occur in certain areas, was aslo discussed.

“We did impress upon the issue of communication black spots quite a bit,” he said.

“Especially for the small rural towns, as often they just don’t have the communications they need.”

The devastating bushfires of 2019-2020 and border closures were another major topic of conversation, and according to Dr Haines, Mr Frydenberg was aware at the end of the conversation about the magnitude of the impact the bushfires, COVID and the border closures, specifically had on North East Victoria.