An AUS$26 million (NZ$33 million) exclusive gay-only retirement village has been given the green light to open in Australia's state of Victoria. Developers say the village - an Australian first - will be a haven for gay, lesbian and transgender elders, reports the Sunday Herald Sun newspaper. Despite objections from the community, Moorabool Shire approved plans for the village in Ballan, between Bacchus Marsh and Ballarat last week. Managing director and major shareholder Peter Dickson said the village would suit older members of the gay and lesbian community. "Whether we're in a relationship or whether we're single, we want to be surrounded by friends," Dickson said. Construction of the 120 two and three-bedroom units is expected to start early next year. The development, called Linton Estate, will feature a tennis court, bowling green, open-air theatre and a multi-million dollar leisure centre with a pool, spa, gymnasium, cafe, restaurant, piano room and business centre.