A mega cruise ship terminal could be built in Brisbane after city councillors voted in favour of the project.

Under the proposal, the existing terminal at Portside Wharf would be upgraded to allow larger cruise ships, such as the 345 metre-long Queen Mary 2, to dock.

Only ships up to 270m, including the P&O Aurora and the Oriana, can currently dock at the terminal.

The project is part of a wider draft Pinkenba/Eagle Farm neighbourhood plan - a document Brisbane councillors approved at a council meeting on Tuesday night.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk says a world class cruise terminal is essential for the city's economic development.

"From both an economic and tourism point of view it makes sense that we have a terminal that not only harbours the big ships but also shows the best of Brisbane when people dock," he told AAP.

It could be up to 10 years before the terminal is built, as the proposal is part of a long term plan.

AAP cle