On Tuesday night the City of Greater Geelong Council adopted the Clifton Springs Coastal Management Plan to guide the conservation and management of the township's coastal reserve system.

Council's Environment portfolio holder Cr Tom O'Connor said the new plan would replace the existing Clifton Springs Masterplan and Management Plan.

"The new plan takes into account recent developments including the accelerated effects of Climate Change, in particular, the impact of coastal erosion," said Cr O'Connor.

The Clifton Springs coastal reserve system is characterised by steep cliffs and a shallow foreshore that has eroded by approximately 10 metres over the last 40 years.

The Clifton Springs Coastal Management Plan was prepared in consultation with an Agency Advisory Group, containing representatives from relevant State Government agencies as well as the Wathaurong Co-operative; and a Community Stakeholder Group with membership comprising residents and members of local clubs and associations.

The City also undertook an extensive public consultation program to gather community views as part of the plan's development.

Cr O'Connor said the plan made a number of recommendations for Clifton Springs' coastal reserve system.

"Among the key recommendations is the renourishment of the beach from the Clifton Springs Boat harbour to the Long Jetty," he said.

"This would include the installation of groynes at specific locations which would serve to not only reduce cliff erosion but enhance pedestrian access along the coast and protect the archaeological remains of the mineral springs complex at Clifton Springs.

"The coastal management plan recommends that a heritage landscape plan is developed for The Dell, the mineral springs and the Second Dell to guide future works to improve visitor facilities and access," he said.

Cr O'Connor said the plan also recommended the repair and reopening of the beach access stairs at Edgewater Drive following works to replenish the beach.

Key recommendations from Clifton Springs Coastal Management Plan:

• Beach renourishment from boat harbour to Long Jetty including installation of groynes

• Development of Heritage Landscape Plan for The Dell, mineral springs and Second Dell.

• Repair and Reopen the stairs at Edgewater Drive.

• Investigate the construction of an all weather path from The Dell to Scarborough Creek along with picnic facilities and new beach access east of Beacon Point.

• Construction of a footpath along Bayshore Avenue and Clifton Street.

• Construction of an all weather path from the entrance of the boat harbour to Griggs Creek.

• Weed control and revegetation within the coastal reserves.

• Specify that future development west of Jetty Road include the provision of a cliff top shared trail, beach access, connections to a path along Griggs Creek, a lookout point and public facilities including picnic and play equipment.

Cr O'Connor said the implementation of the recommendations contained within the Clifton Springs Coastal Management Plan would proceed subject to budget considerations.