IT is a $150million world-class development that will provide hundreds of jobs and an annual injection of $6.5million to the local economy, but Cessnock City Council is not interested in the Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear Resort.
After 10 years planning the application for the development, which will be one of 25 worldwide and also includes a Hilton Hotel, a residential component of homes and villas and an 18-hole Australian Open standard golf course, will go before the council at a meeting on Wednesday night.
The applicant Capital Corporation is seeking the council’s endorsement before the bid is forwarded to the state government for gateway approval.
A council officer’s recommendation to reject the proposal was described by deputy mayor Cordelia Burcham as ‘‘economic irresponsibility’’.
Cr Burcham launched a scathing attack yesterday on council staff and their recommendations for refusal and on several councillors who did not attend last week’s briefing.
Council officers said the planning proposal was inconsistent with the city’s community strategic plan and settlement strategy and was also inconsistent with the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy.
A report to the council meeting also said the development may prejudice the future viability of the vineyards district as a tourist destination.
‘‘This is ridiculous and council staff have got some bizarre pre-conceived idea of what they want in the vineyard area,’’ Cr Burcham said. ‘‘This will be a massive economic driver for this area over the next 20, 30 and 40 years and an investment ... that will create a unique gateway to wine country.’’
Cessnock is also home to Stonebridge golf and residential resort which opened at the weekend and other luxury courses like The Vintage, Cypress Lakes and Crowne Plaza.
‘‘It’s a well known fact that golfers don’t just play on the one course and this development will only cement the city’s standing as a world-renowned and leading golfing destination,’’ Cr Burcham said.
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