The Queensland Government and the Gold Coast City Council have called for expressions of interest for a cruise ship terminal at Southport.

Companies will have until early next year to submit their proposals for a development at the Southport Broadwater, including Wavebreak Island and parts of the Spit.

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman says a cruise ship terminal to be built on public land adjacent to the Gold Coast broadwater will not have a casino.

Infrastructure Minister Jeff Seeney says it is up to the private sector to make the investment and there will be thorough assessment and evaluation.

"There's been many projects proposed by many companies over a period of 40 or 50 years probably," he said.

"I think what's different in this situation is that there is a government at a state level and a government at a local level that are prepared to work together to facilitate the project."

Queensland Tourism spokesman Steven Greg says cruises are the fastest growing sector of the industry.

"I'm not in a position to comment on where and how the terminal should be," he said.

"All I can say is that we are a very attractive cruise shipping destination and I think investment in infrastructure will be part of the future for the state."