Diploma of Local Government (Planning)

The Diploma of Local Government (Planning) reflects the role of personnel working in local government who perform tasks involving a high level of autonomy, requiring the application of significant judgement in planning and determining the selection of resources, roles and techniques for themselves and others. At the Diploma level, personnel are required to develop specific practices to ensure the implementation of management systems, plans and policies. They demonstrate the application of a broad range of managerial, coordination, technical and planning skills.


Subjects

10 units of competency are required for the award of this qualification.

Choose 10 elective units from the lists below, including:

3 or more from Group A

a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 7 units from Group B (Specialist Planning)

up to 2 elective units from Group C (General Elective) orfrom elsewhere within this Training Package, or another endorsed Training Package or Accredited Course

NOTE:

No more than 1 elective unit may be drawn from an AQF level below or above the AQF level of this qualification.

No specialist, general elective or imported elective units used in the packaging of a qualification are to be included in the packaging of subsequent qualifications undertaken by the candidate.

Only 3 common units used in the packaging of a qualification for a candidate can be used in the packaging of a subsequent and higher level qualification for the candidate.

The inclusion of additional electives may need to be considered to meet the specific needs of a State or Territory.

Registered Training Organisations: please note that if the training is being developed to meet building and surveying licensing arrangements, then the specific state or territory licensing arrangements must be adhered to when packaging elective units and skill sets.

Group A elective units

add topic LGACOM411A

Interpret and apply authority to act

add topic LGACOMP024A

Develop community relations

add topic LGACOMP025A

Manage a local government project

add topic LGACOMP026A

Provide team leadership

add topic LGACORE102B

Follow defined OHS policies and procedures

add topic LGACORE104B

Work effectively in local government

add topic LGACORE105B

Work with others in local government

add topic LGAGOVA410B

Monitor council procedures to ensure compliance with relevant legislation

Group B (Specialist Planning) elective units

add topic LGAPLAN511A

Manage council's development assessment system

add topic LGAPLAN512A

Integrate land use and transport planning

add topic LGAPLEM501A

Achieve an efficient and sustainable use of natural resources

add topic LGAPLEM503B

Conserve and re-establish natural systems

add topic LGAPLEM504A

Develop strategies and approaches to minimise environmental pollution

add topic LGAPLEM506A

Improve community knowledge and skills in environmental management practices

add topic LGAPLEM507A

Maintain spatial database

add topic LGAPLEM508A

Manipulate and analyse data within geographic information systems

add topic LGAPLEM509A

Plan facilities for the users of public transport

add topic LGAPLEM510A

Plan for the safe movement of cyclists

add topic LGAPLEM511A

Plan for the safe movement of pedestrians

add topic LGAPLEM512A

Provide geographic information systems data

add topic LGAPLEM513A

Conduct planning scheme research

add topic LGAPLEM603B

Coordinate information gathering and geographic information systems development in council

add topic LGAPLEM610A

Manage data within council's geographic information system

Group C (General Elective) elective units

add topic LGACOM403B

Conduct public educational presentations

add topic LGACOM404B

Establish cooperative arrangements with other organisations

add topic LGACOM405B

Implement and monitor the organisation's OHS policies, procedures and programs within the work group or section

add topic LGACOM407B

Manage finances within a budget

add topic LGACOM501B

Develop and organise public education programs

add topic LGACOM502B

Devise and conduct community consultations

add topic LGACOM503B

Prepare a budget

add topic LGACOM602B

Coordinate and facilitate a change process

add topic LGACOM603B

Develop, implement and review policies and procedures

add topic LGACORE501B

Provide quality and timely advice to council

add topic LGACORE601B

Develop, implement and review operational plans

add topic LGACORE602B

Promote and facilitate organisational performance

add topic LGACORE603B

Represent council's role and value in the community

add topic LGALAND501A

Identify environmental assets and prioritise environmental issues

add topic LGALAND502A

Identify native title issues relevant to local government context and functions

add topic CPCCSV5001A

Assess the construction of domestic scale buildings

add topic CPCCSV5004A

Apply legislation to urban development and building controls

add topic CPCCSV5008A

Apply building control legislation to building surveying

add topic CPCCSV5011A

Apply building codes and standards to residential buildings

add topic CPCCSV5012A

Assess timber framed designs for one and two storey buildings

add topic CPCCSV5014A

Apply building surveying procedures to residential buildings


Pathways...

    Not applicable.


Entry Requirements

Not applicable.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

Employability Skill

Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification include:

Communication

Demonstrating clear, open communication and consultation with the community and stakeholders to maximise the acceptance of preferred planning options

Managing stakeholder relationships using a range of communication techniques to assess needs and expectations

Writing to suit audience needs, which may include report writing and documenting strategies in an acceptable format

Engaging in a range of high-level communications, which may include providing timely advice to council and staff

Networking within and outside council

Reading and interpreting a range of information relevant to job/role, including data obtained through research and relevant legislation to determine impact on council operations

Participating in the design and development of communications materials such as brochures and newsletters aimed at informing and educating others

Conducting presentations and information workshops for a range of audiences and modifying own language to suit audience needs

Negotiating effectively with others

Teamwork

Achieving effective working relationships which demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds and all sections of the organisation

Liaising with and deferring to specialists from outside the organisation as appropriate, including associations, consultants, police and other levels of government

Problem solving

Problem solving and conflict management

Analysing complaints, comments and observations

Solving problems by comparing identified problems to legislative requirements, codes of practice and community expectations

Engaging in effective problem solving based on research

Investigating disparities between data sets to ensure integrity of data being used

Initiative and enterprise

Thinking and operating strategically, including the ability to develop strategies which reflect business objectives that are in line with council or departmental strategies

Undertaking business planning for a department or business unit, using strategic thinking and forward planning

Identifying and investigating opportunities for growth

Modifying existing systems and processes or introducing new processes to ensure ongoing evaluation of systems and processes

Planning and organising

Undertaking high-level planning activities, including scoping and developing departmental business plans

Undertaking research and analysis using a range of techniques to support the development of business plans; sourcing, collating and analysing statistical data, trends and patterns may be required

Analysing community needs, legislation and resources as part of the business planning process

Establishing measurable key performance indicators and targets with relevant parties to assist in monitoring and managing departmental performance, including customer satisfaction levels

Time management, which involves ensuring planned marketing activities are scheduled within appropriate time frames, and schedules for implementing change are determined and amended as necessary

Analysing and evaluating a range of options in terms of their contribution to council objectives

Planning, resourcing, managing and evaluating projects, including public transport facilities and other projects

Resource management which may include identifying relevant human and financial resources required and engaging in appropriate planning and control processes to achieve required resources

Self management

Monitoring own work and adjusting accordingly to meet agreed standards and expectations

Managing own work area

Undertaking self-development opportunities where necessary

Learning

Contributing to the workplace learning community by ensuring that relevant information on departmental activities and performance is made available for future planning and that appropriate training for staff is provided in a timely manner

Engaging in activities that promote own ongoing learning requirements, which may include maintaining current knowledge of legislation and common law

Undertaking formal training when required

Accessing appropriate forms of informal training and development, including attending relevant seminars, reading appropriate newsletters and participating in committees

Technology

Using technology relevant to the job/role, including computers and software such as geographic information systems data

Accessing various data, including databases, spreadsheets, accounting packages, demographic data and census data

Using data management tools, techniques and procedures

Adapting to the use of new technology as appropriate