The Officer precinct structure plan sets out its 20-year vision for the community, which will eventually have housing for nearly 29,000 people and 6500 jobs over 645 hectares of developable land.

Mayor Ed Chatwin welcomed the government's approval of the plan and said it would give certainty to the town. "This is the shire's newest growth area and the council looks forward to delivering residents a most exciting future for Officer and Cardinia Shire. Although the development of the plan has been a huge task, the rewards are well worth the effort."

Planning Minister Matthew Guy has also approved a developer contributions plan that will cover infrastructure such as roads, footpaths, lighting and sewage. "The approval of this structure plan is an important step towards combating housing affordability pressures," he said.

"Officer is well serviced by freeway and suburban rail and will deliver a range of housing densities from terrace and apartment living in the town centre through to large blocks on hills."

Major retail and entertainment amenities will include supermarkets, department stores, cafes and cinemas.

The council has chosen Officer for its new civic centre. Green thumbs will have 15 new parks, each with an average size of one hectare. The plan calls for two new district reserves and an upgrade to Officer Recreation Reserve.

There will be eight new government schools.

Officer South Road, Brunt and Rix roads, Kenilworth Avenue and other roads will be upgraded and a new north-south arterial road will connect the freeway to Bayview Road.

A new freeway interchange will be built between the Pakenham Bypass and Officer South Road.