Mrs Funcke, who lives on a farm outside Minyip, said she would love to see a plan that allowed the region to capitalise on investments being made in digital connectivity.

She formed part of the economic development group at Wednesday’s assembly.

“It’s great that digital connectivity helps agriculture, but I don’t see a plan for how it can diversify,” she said.

“I work for a global company, and I would like to see the region enabling more of that so we’re less reliant on agriculture.

“You could help reverse the population decline because it would enable different jobs to be available.

“You’ve got kids going away for further study, but if you give them different opportunities for work in our region, there’s no reason they can’t come back.

“For example, you could work for a global company but do it from Nhill. You can still command a ‘city’ salary but without having to sit in an office in Melbourne.

“We need an economy that is less reliant on whether it rains and the price of grain.”

Tourism was also discussed in the economic development group.

Yarriambiack Shire Council chief executive Ray Campling said capitalising on the success of the Silo Art Trail was crucial.

He welcomed the state government’s announcement of $500,000 for Wimmera Mallee Tourism, which means the silo trail could be extended to include another 12 sites.

“It’s got international traction, and I’ve been amazed speaking to people with the interest it has generated,” he said.

“I was at Brim during the week and a person was there from the Sunshine Coast, who had come down specifically to see the silos.”