ALPINE Shire's wish list for the upcoming federal budget was among matters raised directly with Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg during his meeting with Indi federal independent MP Helen Haines in Canberra yesterday.

Dr Haines discussed budget priorities for the Indi electorate in 2021, including tourism recovery, emergency preparedness and better digital connectivity in the Alpine Shire.

Proposed projects within Alpine Shire to help address these issues are the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing, Growing Mt Hotham Project, Gateway to Alpine Adventure Dinner Plain, as well as the Dargo High Plains Road Upgrade which last week received $2.6 million in funding for new and upgraded infrastructure.

Alpine Shire mayor John Forsyth was to accompany Dr Haines, but Victoria’s snap five-day lockdown curtailed those travel plans and Cr Forsyth attended the meeting via a video conference connection.

Speaking with the Alpine Observer/Myrtleford Times earlier this week, Cr Forsyth said that while he was disappointed he could not attend the Canberra meeting in person, he was more than happy to discuss how the Federal Government could help the Alpine Shire.

“The three main issues of tourism recovery, emergency preparedness and better digital connectivity are all closely related to the Alpine Shire, and it’s great to see that the Dargo High Plains Road Upgrade has already received some much needed funding,” he said.

Cr Forsyth said the other big topic of discussion was to be digital connectivity, and more specifically, the proposed implementation of NBN fibre rollout between Harrietville and Omeo.

“This is a major infrastructure project that really needs to be looked at,” he said.

“When things go wrong up there, whether it be fires or what have you, phone and internet connection tends to drop out, and people are left with handheld radios.

“It’s common knowledge there’s a problem with telecommunications in the area, and we’re pushing for change and hopefully our federal member, Dr Haines, can speak about this with the federal treasurer.”