The master plan is expected to be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning for approval next year.

Under the plan, about 52ha of land will be reclaimed to create seven new berths, creating hundreds of jobs and potentially attracting new industries to the port.

Last night, NSW Ports Minister Joe Tripodi said the expansion, to be undertaken in three stages, was the next big step in ensuring the growth and future success of Port Kembla.

Details of the plan will be unveiled by Port Kembla Port Corporation chairman Nick Whitlam and chief executive Dom Figliomeni at a Shipping Australia lunch at the Panorama Restaurant at Bulli Tops tomorrow.

Redevelopment of the outer harbour has been on the radar for many years, but the confirmation of a master plan is the first concrete step towards making any redevelopment a reality.

Further expansion of port operations on the back of the burgeoning car import industry transferred from Sydney Harbour is expected to renew calls for upgraded transport infrastructure in and out of the port, including the completion of the mothballed Maldon to Dombarton freight rail link.

It will also provide options for an expanded container trade as both Newcastle and Port Botany reach saturation point within 10 to 15 years.

"This master plan is about creating more infrastructure and jobs for the Illawarra," Mr Tripodi said. "The design is innovative and provides the most economical and efficient reclamation, satisfying the commercial drivers of the port.

"The plan can be amended and adapted over time to accommodate new business, changes in technology and offshore development."

Mr Tripodi said the development would be staged to meet the needs of customers, with each stage co-ordinated into the overall master plan to ensure efficient use of reclaimed land.

Each individual stage of the development will require specific project assessment and approval.