A REGIONAL tourism facility that includes a nine-hole golf course has been given preliminary approval by Mackay Regional Council.

The proposed development will be midway between Alligator Creek and Sarina Beach, on Grasstree Rd.

According to the council, the site is currently used for cattle grazing.

The application was originally submitted in 2011.

A 20-unit lodge, 20 cabins, RV parking, a camping area, a hike and bike trail and the nine-hole, par three golf course are included in the proposal.

Preliminary approval was granted at the council’s economic development and planning committee meeting on Wednesday.

Committee chairwoman Amanda Camm said it was an exciting proposal.

“It’s a fantastic looking resort that I think would capture tourists in the future,” she said.

“Even though we have approved a six-year timeframe for that, I think that’s really important for a development of that size, to give some surety around investment… to ensure its success.

“Council wants to see more developments like that.”

Cr Camm said the proposal would come back to council for further assessment.

She said there was no indication of when any work could or would begin.