Cardinia Shire Council last week unanimously approved a blueprint for the Cardinia Road Employment Precinct. The 602-hectare development is now subject to approval by the minister for planning.

Mayor Bill Ronald said the development would help consolidate Cardinia Shire as a major employment destination for Melbourne's south-east.

"It will create ... highly skilled and specialist jobs in order to provide further options in a region that has traditionally provided for manufacturing and industrial employment."

The structure plan includes a 6000-square activity centre, a commercial sector, significant open-space corridors, residential living for up to 4000 people and the development of Cardinia Road as an arterial road.

Historic Kaduna Park homestead would also be retained as part of the development.

"With more than 60 per cent of the Cardinia workforce commuting to jobs outside the shire, the council is working hard to create more employment opportunities in the shire. We want our residents to enjoy the benefits of working close to home," Cr Ronald said.

Cr Ed Chatwin said the development was "a sustainable regional employment centre". "This is quite unique to Cardinia Shire in its blend of employment and residential living."

The Cardinia Road Employment Precinct is south-west of Pakenham's town centre bounded by the bypass, Toomuc Creek and Gum Scrub Creek.