NEW suburbs will be created in the north following the release of the State Government’s growth corridor plans and changes to the urban growth boundary.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy has announced his approval of precinct structure plans for six new suburbs Lockerbie, Lockerbie North, Diggers Rest, Rockbank North, Merrifield West and Manor Lakes.

The $4 billion Stockland development Lockerbie, between Kalkallo and Beveridge, and Lockerbie North in the Mitchell Shire, fall partly within the Whittlesea growth area.

Mr Guy said Lockerbie would become a community for 29,500 residents and Lockerbie North would include 4600 new homes for 13,000 residents within the Beveridge Township.

Mr Guy also announced the urban growth boundary would increase by about 6000ha, including O.5ha in South Morang, following the completion of Logical Inclusions review.

Watts Rd in Doreen, an area residents fought against inclusion, will not be incorporated in the urban growth boundary.

Shadow Minister Brian Tee said the minister was putting the cart before the horse, releasing land without adequate services.