It comes after years of delays and setbacks for the proposal, culminating last week in regional development minister Mary-Anne Thomas writing to her federal counterpart to say Victoria "requires" a commitment by May 30.

The state government will consider looking at other options if the Morrison government does not agree to pay.

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The City of Greater Bendigo has long campaigned for funding it believes will boost tourist and business visits through the airport and already has earmarked $1 million.

The Victorian government has set aside $4.5 million and has already been forced to extend the council's time to lobby Canberra for the rest of the funds.

A federal spokesperson has not disclosed whether money will be set aside during the upcoming budget.

"Any future funding proposals provided to the Commonwealth will be reviewed in line with budget considerations," they said.

The government has also recommended the council consider its eligibility for grants through the Building Better Regions Fund.

The spokesperson said the government was committed to upgrading regional airports and had previously put forward $465,000 for runway upgrades, as well as $5 million in 2015 for a larger runway.

"The Government is committed to delivering the infrastructure Greater Bendigo needs to prosper," the spokesperson said.

"[That includes] a $158.7 million investment in the Bendigo/Echuca Rail Line Upgrade and over $6.8 million to the City of Greater Bendigo for priority local investments under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program."

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