Clarence City Council has published its “Shaping Clifton Beach Engagement Report” after a community consultation process held earlier this year to inform a new master plan for the area. The report, which was endorsed at the June Council Meeting, summarises feedback from locals and visitors on how to manage and improve one of Clarence’s most popular coastal spots.
According to the council’s “Your Say” engagement portal, more than 125 people participated in the consultation over a six-week period. Feedback was gathered through more than 120 survey responses, written submissions, pop-up events, and stakeholder meetings. The council reported that about half of the responses came from Clifton Beach locals, representing roughly one in ten residents.
A key finding from the report, as detailed by the council, is the community’s desire to protect the beach’s “natural beauty and relaxed coastal feel”. While preserving the area’s character is a priority, residents also called for practical improvements to basic amenities. The council noted that feedback highlighted the need to upgrade toilets, paths, parking, and other facilities that are struggling to cope with the beach’s popularity, especially during summer.
The engagement process is the first step in creating a long-term master plan to guide future development and investment in Clifton Beach’s public spaces. The plan will cover public facilities, beach access points, open spaces like Buckland Reserve and the local park, and environmental management of the dunes.
Clarence City Council stated it is now using the community feedback to develop draft concepts for the master plan. These concepts will be developed with input from groups such as the Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Surf Life Saving Tasmania, and the Parks and Wildlife Service. The council expects to present the draft plan to councillors in 2027 before another round of community consultation.
The full engagement report is available on the Clarence City Council’s Your Say website.