 Prior to federation , the various Australian colonies could , and often did , charge tariffs on goods from the other colonies , ostensibly for the protection of their domestic manufacturing industries , mainly based in the larger cities such as Sydney and Melbourne . For a border community such as the southern Riverina , these tariffs were a sore burden , making goods purchased from Melbourne , the closest large city , more expensive and reducing the competitiveness of these towns supplying the Melbourne and Adelaide markets . In addition , crossing the border on the Murray River was a tiresome experience as each border crossing had customs posts inspecting goods and luggage to ensure all duty was paid and to reduce smuggling , a popular activity . Another item of concern was the lack of adequate river crossings . Along the Riverina the Murray was — and remains — part of New South Wales , who had no interest in assisting border residents to access goods and services in Victoria that may otherwise have been sourced from Sydney . 
