The developer Greta Estates has been in discussions with Cessnock City Council and the Office of Environment and Heritage to modernise the plans first mooted for the migrant camp in 2005.

At that time the proposed development, on a 423 hectare site at Anvil Creek, was valued at $620 million and expected to inject $1.3 billion into the Hunter economy.

The completion of the Hunter Expressway is expected to breathe new life into the development.

The Graham Marsh-designed golf course would be the third ­international-standard facility in the Hunter wine country and, according to the developer, could create the “critical mass needed to market the area as a major golf destination”.

Cessnock council’s acting ­strategic land use planning manager Scott Christie said the development of Anvil Creek would increase and diversify the supply of tourism-related attractions and accommodation, as well as housing choice.

Mr Christie said the completion of the Hunter Expressway would increase accessibility and demand for housing and tourism-related activities. 

The site fronts Camp Road and continues back to Lovedale Road and the expressway interchange, however, the golf course redesign would require significant zoning changes.

Council will keep a cap of 1364 residences incorporating a mixture of permanent and tourist accommodation. 

This will be written into council’s local environment plan along with the stipulation it will not grant ­permission for the development without a vegetation management plan.

Greta Estates signed an agreement with council in 2008 to provide $13.5 million in developer contributions to existing community facilities at Greta and Kurri Kurri.

The voluntary planning agreement allowed the state government to rezone the site.

Cessnock council then approved stage one of the $620 million development.

The developer’s plans for the migrant camp and army facility include an amphitheatre and recreation facilities to commemorate the site’s history.

Once assessed, the amended plans are expected to go on public display for 14 days given the relatively minor changes.