Mr Broad met with Frewstal Manager, Greg Nicholls, to discuss the current operation at the abattoir, with a particular focus on the export side of the business.

A major employer in Stawell, Mr Broad said it was a good opportunity to 'get a feel' for how the abattoir was coping in what had been some difficult economic times.

"It's a great operation and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to have a look around," Mr Broad said.

"I was very interested in the export side of the operation. The way things are going at the abattoir, I can't see them doing anything else, but expanding."

Mr Broad, a high profile former president of the Victorian Farmers Federation, has worked extensively overseas looking at issues including security and food export.

"I travelled to many countries and looked at various methods of exporting, so I am very interested in what Frewstal is doing," he said.

Mr Broad said he was unable to fit in a tour of Stawell Gold Mines during his visit last week, but would be interested in speaking with the General Manager Troy Cole on his return to Stawell.

He said he was well aware issues surrounding the mine's closure and the proposal to open cut mine Big Hill, had dominated news in Stawell of late.

"There is a big challenge ahead for Stawell when the underground mine closes and that challenge will be to ensure the jobs stay here in Stawell," Mr Broad said.

"The future of the mine and its employees is a big issue for Stawell and involves everyone. Australia was built on the back of a mining boom and has survived on it. We should never turn our back on mining I don't believe."

Mr Broad said he was also eager to ensure regional towns such as Stawell continued to thrive and attract quality facilities.

"I'm not content to see all regional towns become retirement villages. I want to see investment, industry, agriculture, good broadband, access to natural gas and good health facilities, as well as good aged care facilities.

"I don't believe because we live in a regional area, that we need to be living with second rate facilities."

Mr Broad said he looked forward to returning to Stawell as often as possible to meet with the residents and civic leaders.

"With my background, I understand farming, small business and trade, but areas of health and aged care are a big learning curve for me," he said.

"Therefore, I will be eager to return and speak with as many people as possible to learn what the big issues are.

"The Mallee is a big electorate and I see Stawell as an important part of that electorate. It is a beautiful part of the world.

"Traditionally, Stawell hasn't been part of the Mallee, but the last distribution saw it move. I see it as a great opportunity for me as a Nationals candidate to work closely with Dan Tehan in Wannon, to achieve positive outcomes for this part of the state."