This unit applies to the design for improvement of long-term ecological sustainability of landscapes, land under production, land areas in business use, natural resource areas and recreational amenity spaces essential for long-term economic and cultural viability.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assess requirements for sustainable land use

1.1. Client is consulted to establish a brief for the design.

1.2. Legislative and regulatory requirements are researched, identified and documented in the improvement plan.

1.3. Specific requirements for sustainability are identified from the brief, business plan and management plan or policy documentation.

1.4. The land area is assessed for biophysical factors, biodiversity, historical and cultural attributes, services, site modifications and threats to sustainability.

1.5. Environmental implications of the planned works are identified and, if necessary, reported to relevant personnel for further research and recommendations.

2. Prepare an integrated design to improve land use

2.1. Concept plan for improvement is developed that reflects client preferences and requirements and takes into account heritage issues, site factors and any identified environmental requirements and presented to the client/land owner for discussion and approval.

2.2. Other professionals are consulted to assist in research and planning of works in areas of technical expertise, energy efficiency and use, current technologies and legislative and enterprise requirements.

2.3. Design considerations for products, materials and finishes are efficient, low risk and cyclic and are confirmed available from local sources.

2.4. Resources, products, equipment and machinery required for the works are evaluated for their impact on the sustainable use of the site.

2.5. Plants and soils are selected for their integrated roles for the designed outcomes in the specific site conditions, system of irrigation and environmental parameters.

2.6. Environmental conditions are reviewed for a functional analysis of the site and the planned design.

2.7. Detailed plan or design, specifications and quotation are prepared and are presented to the client/land owner for acceptance.

3. Plan the implementation into the design

3.1. Staged implementation and development are outlined with appropriate access for future works.

3.2. Timelines for development are incorporated taking into account the needs of the implementation plan and principles of sustainability.

3.3. Schedules for planting and post-planting care are determined in accordance with the requirements of the plant species and cultivars, site conditions, and any other planning requirements.

3.4. Protection of water resources, riparian zones, specified trees and existing vegetation are integrated into the design plan.

3.5. Chemical, non-chemical, amelioration application and waste disposal procedures and processes are reviewed to select designs of minimal environmental consequence and minimise potential contamination of soils and ground water.

3.6. Implementation outline is reviewed for integration of approach to land and water management.

4. Audit the implementation for sustainability of use

4.1. All work materials, waste and debris from site works have low risk and energy efficient disposal methods.

4.2. Soil and ground water quality are sampled and tested and recommendations implemented.

4.3. Soil conservation measures and erosion sediment controls are confirmed.

4.4. Protection measures for specified trees, protected fauna and areas and objects of cultural significance are verified.

4.5. Biodiversity, heritage and cultural attributes, soil and water quality are maintained or improved.

4.6. Client is informed and provided with a report according to the brief or contractual requirements.

Required skills

implement sustainable practices

identify and select an extensive range of plants, shrubs and trees

identify and select an extensive range of soils and growing media

select plants and soils for their integrated functional roles

research, interpret and apply appropriate legislation and regulations

use a range of graphic techniques for illustrating landscape design components

perform a land area assessment

conduct soil and water quality tests

design plans for sustainable improvement

interpret specifications and plans

assess landscape sites

identify hazards and assess risk

conduct a sustainability audit

use literacy skills to fulfil job roles as required by the organisation. The level of skill may range from reading and understanding documentation to completion of written reports

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record complex workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

specific requirements for sustainability

sustainable land and water use principles and practices applicable in the region

types, properties and characteristics of a wide range of soils and growing media

identification and selection of an extensive range of soils, growing media, plants, shrubs and trees

ethnobotany, plant physiology, taxonomy and nomenclature

surface hydrology

assessment techniques

irrigation practices

environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the business and to the improvement works

relevant legislation and regulations relating to soil and water degradation issues and construction

specific legislation and regulations for landscape design and development

relevant Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation and regulations.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

assess a land area for sustainable land use and threats to sustainability

protect water resources, riparian zones and vegetation in a development area

prepare a detailed plan or design, specifications and where appropriate a proposal or quotation for sustainable land improvement

design for the health and sustainability of soils and plants

outline an integrated approach to land and water management

conduct a sustainability audit.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Conservation measures to improve sustainability may include:

the range of biophysical features and environmental factors relating to a particular site or land area and covers:

landscape installations

revegetation

land rehabilitation

land development

erosion sediment controls

contouring

stabilisation

water retention

drainage

water flow

preparation of grassed waterways

matching irrigation inputs with soil water holding capacity

raising soil organic matter levels and absorption of atmospheric carbon.

Unit sector

Design

This unit contains employability skills.