Mr Broad met with several business owners in Stawell's Main Street during a visit last week and heard their concerns, particularly about the impact that online shopping is having.

"Speaking with small business owners, the issue here is ensuring a future for small business in towns like Stawell," Mr Broad said.

"We want to see them profitable and not just a place where someone tries on a pair of shoes or clothing, walks out satisfied with the size and then buys the same item online."

Mr Broad said online shopping was now a fact of life, but The Nationals have a plan in place to ensure there is a level playing field for small business.

"The Nationals will review the impact of Internet trading on regional small businesses by reviewing the duty and GST exemption for imported goods valued at less than $1,000," he said.

"We recognise that online shopping is now a fact of life, but believe that there is a need to level the playing field, particularly for franchisees who are bound by restrictive purchasing practices that impact on their ability to compete on price.

"I have been in small business myself. I was self employed from the age of 22, so I know what it takes to run a small business successfully and I am well aware of the issues business owners face."

While in Stawell, Mr Broad met with Stawell Gold Mines General Manager Troy Cole and discussed the future plans for the operation, including the Big Hill Enhanced Development Project.

He said the mine, along with Frewstal, were key players in the future of Stawell.

"Every town needs a number of small to medium businesses to kick it along," Mr Broad said.

"I have looked at the abattoir, the gold mine and spoke about the potential employment gap that Stawell would experience if the mine closes. We also discussed how the Big Hill proposal might just fill that gap.

"I am an advocate of playing to our strengths. Gold has been the strength of Stawell for many years and that could well continue into the future through the Big Hill proposal.

"If the community is satisfied with what is put before them, the project might prove beneficial to the Stawell economy for many years to come."

Mr Broad said he was also privileged to visit the Stawell Hospital and take a tour of the new Community Rehabilitation and Oncology Centre that is currently being constructed.

He said the facility, when complete, will be an outstanding asset for Stawell and he praised the efforts of shearer Aaron Hemley for raising more than $120,000 for the centre.

"That was an amazing effort and Aaron deserves all the recognition he has received," Mr Broad said.

"I was privileged enough to meet Aaron during my visit. He was introduced to me by Dr Norm Castle and I told him it was a fantastic effort to shear more than 800 sheep in 48 hours to raise money for the hospital.

"I like the idea of the glass windows looking out towards the Grampians. It means patients can have the chance to sit and look across some of the prettiest scenery in the electorate. It really will give patients inspiration."