'Opening Up Tennis' is a simple online court booking system linked to coded gate access, meaning anyone can go on the internet and book a court. The user will receive a code to simply enter at the Ararat City Tennis Club to gain access to the tennis facilities.

Mr Drum said it would encourage more people to get involved in the sport.

"Currently the public are dependent on turning up to a tennis court and hoping there are volunteers around who can let them in to access the facilities," he said.

"This breaks down that barrier and gives certainty to those who might be taking up the sport.

"The system allows any person at any time who might want to give tennis a go, but is not a member of a club, the chance to search for their nearest club, book a court time and head to the facilities armed with an access code, without having to rely on club volunteers to be there."

The $20,000 funding is part of the Coalition Government's Community Sports Facility Program and will be put towards gate access technology at the local club.

The Nationals' candidate for Ripon Scott Turner was on hand with Mr Drum for the announcement.

Mr Turner said he was pleased that Ararat will be one of the first clubs in Victoria to use the Opening Up Tennis initiative.

"It's an innovative approach that means that everyone in Ararat can get access to the courts at any time of the day," he said.

"Particularly during the Australian Open, I'd expect the Ararat City Tennis Club will see many people walk through the gates who have never been there before. This is a great thing as they may well join the club and become the next batch of club stalwarts and volunteers that do so much for our local sporting community."

There was twice the reason to celebrate for the Ararat City Tennis Club, with Mr Drum also announcing $20,650 from the Local Facilities for Local Clubs Program to resurface two of its tennis courts.

While in the area Mr Drum also visited the Aradale Bowls Club to pledge $13,310 to replace the retaining wall surrounding the greens, along with an upgrade of the club's pathways, shelters, seating and fencing.

Both the Ararat City Tennis Club and Aradale Bowls Club will match the government's contribution with its own cash and in-kind work on the two upgrade projects.

"The Napthine Government is committed to a more active Victoria and recognises the importance of encouraging people of all ages to get more active and healthy by investing in sport and recreation facilities," Mr Drum said.

"These projects will provide more opportunities for these clubs to cater for the increasing number of competitive and social participants keen to have a hit or a bowl.