In a council report released this week, regional council chief executive Sarah Gardner said she discussed the idea with her peers and the council would lead the initiative.
It would aim to have "something in place" before spring.
"I understand there is considerable community interest in this initiative," she said in the report.
The move comes after a commitment made at a "Reimagining Otago Harbour" panel discussion in October.
The regional council, Dunedin City Council and Port Otago agreed to create the forum and involve relevant stakeholders to make decisions about the harbour's future.
Some boat clubs recently expressed disappointment the initiative never materialised.
The regional council said this was largely because of a change in chief executives since that time.
Graeme Wall, of the Port Chalmers Yacht Club, said he was pleased "with some cautious optimism" some progress was being made.
"It's promising, as opposed to them doing nothing. I'm pleased that they've obviously taken some credence. I don't see the reason why they have to wait until spring.
"I'll be thinking sooner rather than later."
The work needed to be done in collaboration with the city council, he said.
"They need to work together for this to have any real success."
They also needed not to let the harbourside vision lead to neglecting the rest of the harbour, he said.
