The government has announced it will continue to invest $1 million a year, every year, for councils to undertake maintenance and upgrade works on country roads and bridges.

Mayor, Cr Paul Hooper has welcomed the funding commitment.

"This has been a fantastic initiative and we welcome the decision to continue with this very valuable funding into the future," he said.

"It has become an integral part of our budget and helps us to keep on top of our infrastructure needs," he said.

Cr Hooper said the money that flows from the Country Roads and Bridges Program has enabled many infrastructure projects and associated works to be carried out across the municipality.

"It is a vital funding tool, it is thoroughly welcomed and very much needed for us to be able to maintain our roads and bridges network," he said.

The Nationals candidate for Ripon, Scott Turner, also welcomed the Coalition's announcement that it had re-committed to the successful $160 million program.

Mr Turner said under a re-elected Coalition Government Ararat Rural City Council would receive $1 million a year over the next four years to fund vital road and bridge repairs and replacements on local shire roads.

"I am delighted the Coalition has re-committed to the successful $160 million Country Roads and Bridges Program for a further four years," Mr Turner said.

"This funding will provide much needed financial assistance to local councils."

Mr Turner said 40 rural councils had each received a total of $4 million over the first four years of this Coalition Government, which was not only helping to fix local roads, but was putting downward pressure on rates.

"Maintaining local roads is one of the largest cost burdens on local government, so to have this program invest an additional $1 million a year is providing a major boost to rural councils," Mr Turner said.

"This additional $1 million a year goes directly into local roads and bridges, funding reseals, pothole repairs, bridge improvements or replacements and other important repair and maintenance work.

"This investment means Councils have an additional $1 million a year in their budgets, meaning they can spend more on other local roads or invest in other projects.

"It also means locals councils don't have to continuously go back to rate payers to pay for vital local road improvements, which is helping to keep rates lower for property owners, farmers and businesses."

Mr Turner said over the past four years, the Country Roads and Bridges Program had funded numerous important roads projects in the Ararat Rural City including replacement of Eversley Crowlands Road Bridge, widening of Moyston - Willaura Road and reconstruction of Mt William Road.

Mr Turner said this funding would be at risk under a Daniel Andrews-led Labor Government which he said plans to scrap the Country Roads and Bridges Program.

"Daniel Andrews has irresponsibly confirmed he will scrap this important investment," he said.

"This cutback is on top of Labor's plan to slash the roads maintenance budget for VicRoads roads from more than $500 million a year, to a paltry $125 million a year, consigning country roads to nothing more than goat tracks."

Municipal Association of Victoria president, Cr Bill McArthur, welcomed the continued funding support.

"The Country Roads and Bridges Program is invaluable, delivering maintenance and restoration projects," he said.

"With councils responsible for 85 per cent of the state's road network, road funding is the single largest expense for rural shires, so the $40 million of funding is vital.

"The Victorian Government's funding is improving road safety, making it a win for councils, communities and all road users."