Queensland's largest tourist development - an AUS$1.4bn (US$1.47bn, 1.1bn euro, £903m) integrated tourism and residential community at Ella Bay - has been given the green light after seven years.

Federal Minister for Environment Tony Burke approved the proposal, which received State Government approval last month.

Ella Bay Developments and Satori Resorts are behind the 161-acre Ella Bay resort which will be built in phases over a 15-year period.

Located near Innisfail in north Queensland, the eco-resort will feature three resort precincts including hotels and villas to house 2,000 visitors, as well as four residential precincts, with 540 permanent residences housing 1,400 people.

A retail village, 18-hole golf course, leisure facilities and a research and education centre will also form part of the development.

Ella Bay resort will have a strong focus on developing an ecological sustainable community with an emphasis on the protection, research and conservation of the environment.

The development is expected to inject over AUS$256m (US$269m, £165m 203m euro) per annum into the Queensland economy when fully operational.