Port Otago plans to start next year on its $2 million project to stabilise Flagstaff Hill and dump 45,000 cubic metres of spoil in the local golf course.
The works will mean up to 42 more daily truck movements through Port Chalmers.
In 2016, the port received consent from the Dunedin City Council for cliff benching to stabilise the hill at Back Beach.
It has been a contentious issue since the early 1990s when it first removed some of the hill's base.
The port is now seeking a further consent from the council to dispose of the spoil from the work at the Port Chalmers Golf Club.
Port Otago chief executive Kevin Winders said it was approached by the club, which asked if the sediment could be used to fill a ravine there.
''So we explored that and it looks like it's a pretty good option for us. That spoil could end up doing something good for the community instead of ending up in a landfill somewhere.''
As it was 3km from the earthworks site it would limit truck movements, he said.
Whichever contractors it hired would have to adhere to Port Otago's self-imposed 30km speed limit through Port Chalmers.
The 12 to 16-week operation is scheduled for March so as to not conflict with the cruise ship season.
''It's been on the cards for a long time. To get that stabilised, it'll just improve the safety in that area.''
The work will mean between 32 and 42 more trucks per day using George St in Port Chalmers.
Union Co Cafe owner Peter Cole previously had concerns about trucks driving quickly along the street.
However, it was far more important the cliff was stabilised, he said.
''I don't have any concern at all. The concern is that the hill is slipping away.
''It's all to the benefit of the town, really, and they won't add much to the trucks we already have, I imagine.''
If trucks followed the self-imposed speed limit he would be happy, he said.
The spokesman for the golf club could not be contacted.
