Warrnambool's Greg Shaw, from Cleanaway Waste Management, said the state government created short-term positions for 30 people in the south-west region.

Workers are deployed to disinfect and wipe down external surfaces such as street benches, handrails and door handles, traffic light buttons, poles, bicycle stands and bins.

Mr Shaw said the cleaning blitz created employment for people who lost work as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

"We've got a lot of people who were laid off from jobs in hospitality and other industries," he said.

"I have been very impressed with the calibre of people and we've had a good response from the public, thanking us for keeping things clean throughout the pandemic.

"Even if it stops one person from getting the virus, it's a good thing."

Mr Shaw said workers were moving around the Warrnambool area with no designated work areas.

"We're going to parks, sporting grounds, playgrounds and busy areas like the breakwater," he said.

The state government created positions for 1500 cleaners who will work across 10 regional and 26 suburban communities cleaning public infrastructure, retail centres and shopping strips.

The government has been working with local councils to prioritise areas for cleaning and the first of the workers have taken up their posts.

Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula said the cleaning blitz provided "immediate work and wages to people who need it most, so they can pay the bills while they search for more permanent positions".

"We're taking the first cautious steps when it comes to easing restrictions, and the jobs that will be done as part of this program are an important part of that process," he said in a statement.

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