A number of funding announcements and pre-election commitments were made at locations throughout the shire on Thursday, promising financial support for major projects and events. Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews visited Stawell with Labor candidate for Ripon Daniel McGlone to announce Labor's $21.9 million package to create 440 jobs.

The package promised $1.7 million to kick-start the proposed particle physics laboratory, a $19 million investment in the Grampians Peak Trail, a $500,000 expansion of Frewstal and a $600,000 contribution to support the Stawell Gift.

Mayor, Cr Kevin Erwin said the commitment was a major boost for the shire in the wake of Planning Minister Matthew Guy's recommendation that the Big Hill Enhanced Development Project should not proceed.

"Obviously the developments of the last few weeks have been a significant blow for the shire and have put some of council's projects for job creation in jeopardy," he said.

"This funding package would help to generate almost 450 jobs in the shire, upgrade existing facilities and increase tourism.

"We are particularly pleased with the Opposition's support of the particle physics laboratory which has been a major priority project for council and will be the first facility of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

"While these commitments are welcome, council remains supportive of Stawell Gold Mine and any decision it may make to pursue a review of the Planning Minister's determination and recommendation."

Deputy Premier and Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan, Minister for Environment Ryan Smith, Minister for Sport and Recreation Damian Drum and Aviation Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips were also in the shire last Thursday, along with Nationals candidate for Ripon Scott Turner and Liberal candidate for Ripon Louise Staley.

The Coalition promised $10 million towards the Grampians Peak Trail and $150,000 to support the Stawell Gift over the next four years.

It also announced a guaranteed $100,000 Regional Aviation Fund grant for an upgrade of the St Arnaud Airport and a $56,000 Community Facilities Funding Program grant for new lighting at Stawell Tennis Club.

Cr Erwin said the pre-election promises and approved funding would provide both council and shire residents with some certainty over the future growth of the shire after a tumultuous past month.

"It is encouraging to hear that if re-elected, the Coalition will continue to support projects and events in the Northern Grampians," he said.

"Our communities in Stawell and St Arnaud are the most recent beneficiaries of State Government funding which will improve facilitates at the St Arnaud Airport and the Stawell Tennis Club.

"These are the types of projects that make a real difference to our communities at a grassroots level. They're the ones that keep our towns growing and make our shire a great place to live."