Dr Harrison said one of the main drivers from last week's highly-anticipated budget was significant infrastructure investment within the region.

"The budget extends the hugely successful Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, providing additional funding on top of the almost $1.5m we received from the Morrison Government in July," he said.

"This untied funding enables Council to select priority road and community projects to get underway now, securing local jobs to drive our economic recovery.

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"We will also look for opportunities for Council co-investment in these projects, leveraging more funding to fast-track improvements to our rural road network and town infrastructure."

Part of this funding will be used to commence the Gordon Street Recreational Reserve project; once complete, it will become the first standalone hub for AFL Women's in regional Victoria.

"Ararat Rural City Council is eager to see many of our people return to work and start to revive our township into a sustainable COVID normal," said Dr Harrison.

"The assistance of the Federal Government is bringing our community to a strong position."

The chief executive said the Council is eager to turn the federal government's investments into tangible assets and assistance for the community.

Dr Harrison highlighted several other important highlights, including the Ararat NBN Business Fibre Zone, which will "assist in adapting our businesses to the greater reliance on digital communications, accelerated by the pandemic."

"This and further investment in the Regional Connectivity Program, supports upgrades to local telecommunications in areas of high tourism activity and bushfire risk," he said.

"It also creates opportunities to transform our agriculture sector, who can utilize better connectivity to invest in drone technology to improve efficiency and traceability on their farms."

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, concern has been placed on tourism businesses and the effects it has had visitation and their revenue.

Dr Harrison said the announcement of a new round of the Building Better Regions Fund targeted at new tourism projects, will reinforce their economic recovery.

"Council is eager to work with our local businesses, which is why we have initiatives such as the Greater Ararat Business Network," he said.

"Groups such as this allow us to liaise between government and business to create results."

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