Fourth generation the Mann brothers, have lodged the application for their long-awaited lifestyle community in the town, 550km north of Brisbane.

The project, 13 years in the making, is to be built on land purchased by their grandfather 150 years ago.

The proposed Station Creek Lifestyle Resort at Benaraby will have 210 of RV-friendly houses and 350 resort-styled units for over 50s plus a Graham Marsh-designed 18-hole golf course.

The application cites just 36 new retirement living units for the Gladstone area in the past decade as the reason for the development and it is hoped that this project will reduce the trend of locals leaving the area in search of retirement options.