AHCNRM505
Provide technical advice on sustainable catchment management


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide technical advice on sustainable catchment management to land managers in a catchment area or region.

This unit applies to those in a catchment management role and are responsible for identifying and managing land degradation, as well as providing advice and information on programs and funding for the sustainable management of farms, small properties, recreational land and land used for commercial activities.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Respond to requests for advice on sustainable catchment management

1.1 Respond to requests for advice from land managers

1.2 Seek information on location, land management or production objectives and land management concerns

1.3 Review state and regional legislation, regulations and strategies relevant to the region in relation to potential constraints

1.4 Confirm options and processes for provision of advice with land managers

2. Identify and analyse land management issues

2.1 Conduct a site assessment to collect information on geological characteristics, ecological processes and biodiversity

2.2 Apply work health and safety policies and procedures, environmentally sustainable practices and biosecurity measures when conducting site assessments

2.3 Collect information on land uses and land management techniques

2.4 Interpret site information for land managers and other relevant stakeholders in a supportive and non-threatening manner

2.5 Evaluate the types and levels of land degradation in the site assessment

3. Provide advice on sustainable land and catchment management

3.1 Provide advice that complies with State and regional legislation, regulations and strategies

3.2 Propose options for changing land management practices, taking into account economic factors, technical difficulty, practical feasibility, social and environmental acceptability

3.3 Advise land manager on outcomes of analysis, sustainable land management techniques, whole property planning and remediation measures

3.4 Provide resource materials and information on supportive programs and funding

Evidence of Performance

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

provide technical advice on sustainable catchment management to land managers in a catchment area or region in accordance with State and regional legislation, regulations and strategies and stakeholder requirements

review State and regional legislation, regulations and strategies relevant to the responsibilities of land managers

analyse the issues, processes and techniques in sustainable land management and assess land management practices in relation to the long-term objectives of a catchment or region

source and communicate advice on sustainable land management practices to a variety of land managers in a knowledgeable and non-threatening manner

apply appropriate sustainability practices in the context of own work


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

geology:

rock types

weathering

soil formation and soil types

ecological processes:

energy flow through ecological systems

matter flow through ecological systems

nutrient cycling

land degradation processes and impacts:

soil compaction

erosion

tree decline

pest plant and animal infestations

eutrophication

acidification

salinity

fertility decline

catchment management principles:

catchment planning priorities and programs

roles and responsibilities of land users in catchments

biodiversity:

basic plant identification techniques

animal identification

ecological vegetation communities

whole property planning principles:

energy flows

sustainable water management

land capability


Assessment Conditions

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.


Foundation Skills

Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.


Range Statement


Sectors

Natural Resource Management (NRM)