Correct Planning and Consultation for Mayfield Group spokesman John Hayes said he wanted to find out more details about the $2.5 billion project before taking a stance on the development.

"There are some good elements but we don't know whether the detriment of having a 100 million tonne coal loader at Mayfield outweighs the benefits," Mr Hayes said.

Mr Hayes agrees with Hunter Ports' suggestion to widen Cormorant Road on Kooragang Island and develop the Tourle Street bridge into dual lanes.

He also supports the concept of the proposed new rail line, which would remove 90 per cent of coal trains from suburbs.

The rail line would run parallel with the Hunter River through an industrial area and could make an existing rail line through Mayfield redundant.

One of the other benefits proposed was an investment of up to $20 million a year back into the community, through committing 20 cents from every tonne of coal exported through the terminal into a fund for local projects.

Noise and wind barriers never before used in Newcastle were also proposed.

Newcastle MP Tim Owen said he would not decide whether the supported the development until a few key points were considered.

The first, he said, was the proposed site was bought under the condition any development there would have multi-purpose uses.

Mr Owen said this meant it was more than likely it would have to go back to tender, as the use for the site could need to be reconsidered.

He also said the development would need to fit into the Hunter Valley coal chain process, which is the system of delivery from the Hunter Valley mines to Newcastle Port.

However, Mr Owen said the most important element would be ensuring the management of coal dust and noise.

He said the next step was for the development to be considered by the NSW Department of Planning as part of the state government approval process.