A proposal to upgrade and redevelop the Queenscliff ferry terminal could head to an independent panel.

Planning minister MATTHEW GUY's been asked to appoint the panel to look at rezoning the area, after the Borough of Queenscliff couldn’t resolve issues raised by supporters and opponents.

Searoad Ferries says the upgrade’s needed to grow, as it proposes to redevelop the current terminal, redesign and expand the carpark and replace an old iron wharf near the terminal.