Dr Napthine, who confirmed he would not be running for council, said the adjustments made during the pandemic as to how people work had created an opportunity for Moyne.

"A positive to come out of the pandemic may be that working remotely could help decentralisation when it comes to our workforce," Dr Napthine said.

"People can work from their homes in places like Port Fairy, Mortlake and Koroit, for big or small employers from Melbourne or interstate.

"They can do that while still enjoying the wonderful lifestyle and affordable living we enjoy here.

"It will be an important role of councillors as we come out of the pandemic to push forward that quality of life we have here and attract more people to come here who can live and work remotely in high-end industries that before we may not have thought could be done."

Dr Napthine believes Moyne is well placed to attract funding from state and federal governments in the pandemic recovery period.

He cited the shire's strong agriculture and tourism sectors as key planks to future prosperity.

He said councillors would play a major role in the community over the next four years and urged Moyne ratepayers to take their vote seriously.

"There is no doubt local councils in regional and rural areas provide the grassroots services and are the heart and future of the communities," Dr Napthine said.

"People should use their vote wisely to select who they believe are the best people for the job.

"Leadership coming out of COVID-19 that provides strength and confidence is going to be so important.

"I see in the media there are already councils advocating for funding for massive projects. Traditionally people in country areas are less likely to blow their own trumpet but council will need to get on the front foot."