General News
15 June, 2022
Active year for Mt Noorat, report shows
THE 2021-2022 Mt Noorat Management Committee annual report has outlined new nominations for the committee and highlighted a series of upcoming developments for the iconic landmark.
THE 2021-2022 Mt Noorat Management Committee annual report has outlined new nominations for the committee and highlighted a series of upcoming developments for the iconic landmark.
The report, which outlined works the committee has undertaken or will undertake the following year, was unanimously received by Corangamite Shire councillors at the recent Ordinary Meeting of Council.
The report noted a number of achievements listed from the past year including:
Initial development of an infrastructure design style guide for current and future infrastructure and associated interpretive information;
Control of weeds including thistles and hemlock;
Commencement of revegetation projects in the crater and adjacent walking track;
Further developed relationships with traditional owners; and
Upgrades to the Mt Noorat Walking Track to mitigate drainage issues.
In addition, Mt Noorat is set to see continued upgrades in 2022-2023 with projects and activities to be completed including:
Installation of a new viewing area, walking tracks and associated infrastructure after $50,000 was received from Mortlake South Wind Farm developer Acciona;
Continued planting of native species in to the Mt Noorat Crater and the beginning of planning within the “Dead Man’s Gully” area;
The development of geological interpretive information at identified points; and
The establishment of local partnerships to enable native species propagation at alocal facility.
Mt Noorat remained a popular destination despite the report noting a decline in visitors from the previous year.
“Mt Noorat has an average of 20 visitors per day, or 610 per month, which is quite staggering,” Cr Kate Makin said.
“Even though this is a decrease in visitation from previous years, which may be attributed to easing of COVID-19 restrictions allowing visitors access to other areas, this is still a healthy number of people enjoying this beautiful place and what it has to offer."
“The committee has recently been able to employ a part-time project officer for 12 months, who will assist the committee to maintain the site and implement the management plan."
“With funds received from Acciona, the committee is putting these funds towards a new viewing area, walking tracks and associated infrastructure.”
In addition council accepted five nominations for appointment to the Mt Noorat Management Committee for a four-year term.
The committee, first established in 2018, has delegated responsibility for the management and development of Mt Noorat.
The committee is comprised of 10 elected community members, one council representative and two standing members, Eve and Gina Black – however, council voted to reduce the number of elected community members by one.
The committee representatives appointed until 2026 were Bernard Conheady, Jileena Cole, Graham Arkinstall, Robin Allinson and William Conheady.
Cr Geraldine Conheady declared a conflict of interest on the item, and was excused from the council chamber.
“I warmly accept the committee’s recommendation by appointing the five people mentioned,” Cr Makin said.
“I feel these people will bring a broad range of skills to the committee and I am happy to accept their four-year term.”
Cr Nick Cole congratulated the committee on its accomplishments and vision for the future.
“I think the committee has been doing a great job. I’ve looked at that mountain all my life and I’ve been happy to look at it,” he said.
“They seem to have improved it in the last few years and the walking tracks around there are a great community asset."
“It’s good to see they are looking after the wedged-tailed eagles that are nesting at the mount, which is a good sign."
“There’s a fair bit of wildlife, and wild people around the edge of it, so I’m happy to move the motion.”