ALPINE Shire Mayor Sarah Nicholas says re-opening Mount Buffalo Chalet to deliver outdoor education experiences to students is socially and economically important for the shire and its local communities.

Mayor Nicholas was at the chalet for last week's announcement by Parks Victoria that it has entered into a 40 year lease for Belgravia Outdoor Recreation to deliver outdoor education experiences, particularly to school groups in the first instance, from the chalet from next year, and get the newly developed cafe opened to the public.

"I really look forward to that building being rejuvenated, being reused and showing what it can really deliver, with the help of those organisations," she said.

“We know how passionate our community are about seeing the next chapter of the chalet's history and we're very excited that we're finally seeing plans falls into place for that next chapter to begin.

"Council, along with the Mount Buffalo Activation Taskforce, has been advocating on behalf of the community since the chalet’s closure (in 2007).

“Reinvigorating the chalet presents an opportunity to celebrate its heritage while enhancing tourism and economic growth and further highlight Mount Buffalo as a must-visit destination for all adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.

“This project is important to the continued economic growth and resilience of the Alpine Shire by providing visitors and students alike with an extraordinary educational experience.

"Utilising the natural environment that makes Mount Buffalo so unique will also help to build understanding of this very special place and support ongoing protection.”