Projects across the district will share in $1.8 million in state government funding announced on Wednesday, part of a $16 million round of Regional Infrastructure Fund grants.

In Buninyong, $300,000 has been allocated for Warrenheip Street and Learmonth Street to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians.

READ MORE: Council starts to map out road to recovery

According to the state government, the works will level surfaces, improve parking, and upgrade the streetscape.

"The works will improve safety and access for local businesses and traders and provide an improved public space for the hosting of events," a state government spokesperson said.

The Victorian Government will contribute $300,000 to the project followed by $200,000 from the City of Ballarat - work is expected to be completed by mid-2021.

"The project will improve pedestrian safety and greatly assist anyone using local businesses throughout the Buninyong township," Mayor Ben Taylor said in a statement.

"I also want to acknowledge the work of Buninyong and District Community Association and Bendigo Bank in supporting this project and providing a strong benefit to the community."

Councillor Jim Rinaldi added Buninyong was a growing and vibrant community that needs renewed infrastructure.

"The new works will greatly benefit residents and local businesses and will also serve to renew the streetscape," he said.

Councillor Des Hudson said the town would look "even more stunning" when the works are finished.

"The increased tree planting and improved public spaces will add to the vibrancy of the town," he said.

Golden Plains Shire Council has been waiting years for its Three Trails project to receive funding.

The state government has committed $500,000 to upgrade the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail, the Kuruc a Ruc trail through Rokewood, and the Rainbow Bird trails.

READ MORE: Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail needs more attention, users say

"This project will deliver a network of trails that connect 15 adjoining communities focussing on three activities, upgrades and improvements to current trail infrastructure, design and installation of supportive infrastructure and promotion of the trails to capture visitors and increase overall usage," according to the state government.

A council media release stated the finished work will join communities from the City of Ballarat to Corangamite Shire.

The state government contribution will pay for two-thirds of the project, with money also coming from the Berrybank Wind Farm community benefit fund, the former Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail Committee, and $57,000 from council itself.

"The Three Trails Project will deliver the upgrade and improvement of the current trail infrastructure, as well as design and installation of new supportive infrastructure, including: signage; shelters, seating, picnic tables and chairs; decking upgrades; safety corrals at major highway crossings; culvert and bridge upgrades; spray seal of trail sections; upgrades to the Pittong Sleepover; installation of trail counters for data collection; and environmental works including tree trimming," it states.

"In addition, the Three Trails Project also involves the promotion of the trails to attract new visitors and regional residents, increasing the usage of these picturesque trails.

"Council's contribution will be funded in its Budget 2019/20 and works on the Three Trails Project are scheduled to begin in late 2020."

Mayor Owen Sharkey said in a statement the funding was an exciting milestone.

"This is a Priority Project of our council and, along with valuable funding from the Berrybank Wind Farm, we are proud to deliver the vision of the Three Trails," he said.

"With improvements to these three great trails, more local residents in our growing communities and new visitors to the region will explore and enjoy our picturesque Golden Plains. Along with promoting the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail, Kuruc a Ruc Trail and Rainbow Bird Trails as destinations for outdoor travel, we welcome the boost to the visitor economy in the north of our shire."

In Hepburn Shire, Daylesford's swimming pool and town centre project will receive $500,000 for the next phase of upgrades, including developing the pool, building family-friendly facilities, and creating a Civic Plaza as "community greenspace".

In Moorabool Shire, the 1000+ Steps project near Darley will receive $500,000 to finish construction and build a lookout at Bald Hill.

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