The funding is part of $34 million contributed to councils across the Corangamite and Geelong regions.

Golden Plains mayor Des Phelan said the funding was welcome for the shire.

“We are very appreciative of the Federal government in providing these funds,” Cr Phelan said.

“Golden Plains Shire is a large municipality with a small population and relies on Federal Assistance Grants to be able to maintain our infrastructure and deliver services to the expectations of the community.”

A statement from Golden Plains Shire Council said the untied funding was dedicated to local road repair and maintenance and general purpose grants.

“This grant is untied funding and consists of $1.9m in local road funding and $3.2 in general purpose grants,” the statement said.

“These funds assist council to meet to cost of delivering a wide variety of services being delivered to the community.

However, the statement did not detail any specific projects the funding would go towards.

“The Coalition government is committed to supporting local government to deliver the services and facilities they need,” Federal Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson said.

“Across Australia, we will deliver $9.45 billion to local governments from 2015-16 to 2018-19.

“Councils are free to spend this untied grant funding according to local priorities, including for infrastructure, health, recreation, environment, employment and roads projects.

Golden Plains was allocated $633,151 in the first quarter.

Ms Henderson said councils could also benefit from the second round of the government’s new $300 million Bridges Renewal Program, which is available exclusively to local government.

Other areas across Corangamite and Corio to benefit include the Borough of Queenscliff, Colac Otway Shire Council, Surf Coast Shire and the Greater Geelong City Council, which will receive more than $19 million.