A new golf resort in the Hunter Valley wine region of Australia has been approved by local councillors.

The A$150 million Golden Bear Golf Resort, to be built on a 240 hectare site in Cessnock, will include a course designed by Jack Nicklaus’s firm, plus a 50 bedroom hotel, and additional housing. Developer Capital Corporation says the project will be worth A$6.5 million to the local economy each year.

Capital MD Greg Taylor told the Cessnock Advertiser that the course would be a significant addition to the region. “This development will be a major international tourist destination providing significant economic benefits for the area and significant employment opportunities,” Taylor said. “International tourists will come into the resort as part of their golfing holiday and experience the Hunter Valley.”

The planning application for the development was first lodged in 2005.