By July, new decking for shop verandahs along the Settlement's main street will be completed, as well as stormwater drainage upgrades and a new amenities building.

Swan Hill Rural City Council's director of infrastructure David Leahy said almost $1 million would be spent on the Settlement this financial year, as the council looks to complete its long-term vision for Swan Hill's riverfront precinct.

"The development of the riverfront -- which also includes the new Swan Hill bridge, the caravan park and the art gallery -- is one of council's key strategic goals," Mr Leahy said.

"This new stormwater system will drain water from the main street and other areas of the Settlement, into the basin near Keats Cottage, and it will be used either on site or drained into the river.

"At the moment when it rains, the main street becomes difficult to manage -- it is difficult for visitors to navigate the muddy street, and it is difficult to run a horse and cart or the Dodge car along it."

There will also be a new wharf built near the PS Gem and a new entrance opened near the Lower Murray Inn, which will improve access for function holders.

Mr Leahy said it would be business as usual at the Settlement while the works are undertaken, and encouraged the community to take advantage of free entry at the centre for Swan Hill locals.