Premier Denis Napthine announced the money on Thursday afternoon.

Dr Napthine promised to re-open the Ararat outdoor pool and enhance Alexandra Oval and the adjoining gardens precinct if his government won the State Election on November 29.

The money would go towards a new kiosk and changerooms at the pool and towards upgrading and building new pathways, fencing and carparks to link the pool, gardens, oval and tennis courts.

The money comes after Liberal candidate for Ripon Louise Staley announced last month she would petition Dr Napthine to make up a $350,000 shortfall that was holding back the pool's refurbishment.

At the time, Ararat Mayor Paul Hooper said he would be surprised if the State Government funded the pool because Ararat already had an indoor pool.

He said the government had made it clear there were many Victorian towns without a pool they would favour ahead of Ararat.

Ararat Olympic Pool Committee president Ambrose Cashin said at the time the community and council would fund the rest of the $2.5-million pool project.

He said people in Ararat remained committed to re-opening the pool.

"People are very passionate because it was a community-built facility," Mr Cashin said.

"People's fathers and grandfathers built it and country towns can't afford to lose any amenities."

Dr Napthine also announced a further $157 million from the federal and state governments to continue the duplication of the Western Highway between Buangor and Ararat.

This is a part of the $662.3-million Western Highway upgrade to create dual lanes from Melbourne to Adelaide.