Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:03 AM AWST
23/07/2026 12:03 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Design sustainable landscapes
Design sustainable landscapes
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCDES501A
AHCDES501A
State Code
D6804
D6804
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/12/2011
Field of Education
040105 - Landscape Architecture
Original Release Date
13/12/2011
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit covers the process of designing sustainable landscapes and defines the standard required to: 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.
Notes
Elements and 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.
RANGE STATEMENT
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.
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.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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 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.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAP53 | AHCDES501 | Design sustainable landscapes | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D518 | AHC50610 | Diploma of Landscape Design | Qualification |