Nationals Member for Western Victoria David O’Brien said both towns would benefit greatly from the grants, which will go towards linking attractions and enhancing facilities. 

He said the regional growth fund was about rebalancing the growth of Melbourne and smaller towns in the country.

"We want to reverse the population decline and disproportion in these rural and regional areas," Mr O'Brien said. 

"This will go a long way towards that - and if we can encourage one person to stop in town for a little longer, it's worth it."

Plans for Creswick include upgrades to Albert Street, paving and road crossings, and transforming the vacant bowling club site into an active open space.

Clunes will also work towards a better-connected civic centre, upgrades to Collins Place and forecourt improvements at the Town Hall. 

Nationals candidate for Ripon Scott Turner said the work would complement the existing heritage buildings to create a welcoming village atmosphere.

“Upgrading ageing infrastructure within the civic centre will make it much more functional and provide easier access for elderly and disabled people," he said. 

Hepburn Shire will contribute $133,000 to the Creswick streetscape plan, and $50,000 to the Clunes streetscape plan. 

Mayor Kate Redwood said the draft concept plans for all the region's towns were on display until November 30, with works commencing in July next year. 

"The streetscape projects are scheduled to be completed by 2016, and will undergo fine-tuning along the way," she said. 

"We are really just wanting people to have their say before it's too late."

Deputy mayor Neil Newitt - who opted for a tree change ten years ago - agreed the works would encourage others to move to the country. 

"There are so many success stories of people moving here and opting for this kind of lifestyle, me included," he said. 

"We really want to build on that in our main centres." 

People can find the concept plans for all the region's streetscapes at www.yourmainstreet.com.au