A generous bequest was made from the estate of the late Niel Black to transfer the land to public ownership.

Noorat-based Corangamite Shire councillor Helen Durant said the mount held great significance for the local community. “The imminent handing over to council following the generous bequest from the estate of the late Niel Black has created great excitement and anticipation,” she said.

The handover will allow for further development of the much-loved Mount Noorat Walking Track, which has remained a top priority during the community planning process with Corangamite Shire.

In presenting a review of the community plan to the council meeting on Tuesday, community development officer Garry Moorfield said the mount could now play a bigger role.

“The foundations are set for Mount Noorat to play an even more significant role in the life of the local community and visitors to Noorat as more people have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate its cultural, conservation and geological significance,” he said in the report. More broadly, Mr Moorfield said Noorat had shown what could be achieved by a determined community. In four years it has completed or begun work on six of its top priorities.

“The town has made a lot of progress, quite remarkable progress in four years and it really is a credit to the people who live in Noorat,” he said.

A review of the community plan has also set the community’s sights on new projects, including a trades festival, opening Lake Keilambete to the public and putting Noorat on the map for tourists.

Cr Durant said Noorat was a great example of what could be achieved when people who cared about where they live came together.

“A significant percentage of the community came together to share their hopes and plans for this town,” she said. “Now it’s time for them to come together to ensure that these hopes and plans are realised.”