Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in particular training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

Who may be referred to as a client?
Clients may include enterprise management, private individual, company, community group, government agency, or a combination of these entities.

What preferences and requirements may clients have?
These may include historical era or cultural style, original design philosophy, preferred plant species, plant characteristics, growth habits and cultural requirements, legislative requirements, the purpose or intended use of the restored park or garden, maintenance services for the park or garden, and budget limitations and timelines for implementation of the restoration works.

What biophysical factors may influence the restoration plan?
Biophysical factors may include rainfall, humidity, wind, sunlight intensity, mean temperatures, season length, soil types, structure and profiles, nutrient toxicities and deficiencies, the aspect of the site, slope, natural and artificial watercourses, other water supplies and quality, outcrops and existing plant species.

What historical and cultural attributes may influence the restoration plan?
These may include the historical or cultural importance of the park or garden and particular features, and past or present disturbance or alterations to park or garden use, plants, layout and features.

What services on the site may need to be located?
Services may include water supply, gas, power (electricity), telecommunications, irrigation, stormwater and drainage.

What site modifications may influence the restoration plan?
Modifications may include human intervention such as the placement or removal of buildings, structures, features, plants and landscaping attributes, and natural events, such as wildfire, flooding and drought.

What may be included as part of research?
Research may cover historical, cultural and heritage values, original landscape master plans and/or designs. Research will also involve keeping accurate written and photographic records of unrestored site for later reference.

What resources may be used for research?
Resources may include oral history, libraries, local archives, biological or structural remains, educational institutions, specific industry, technical and research literature, industry consultants, suppliers and contractors, enterprise managers and team colleague experience, own knowledge, local historical performance data and industry best practice guidelines.

What legal attributes of the site may influence th restoration plan?
These may include conservation of the historical, cultural or heritage values of the park or garden and particular features, the nature of ownership, covenants, charters, protocols and easements.

What local by-laws and restrictions may affect the restoration plan?
These may include prohibited plant species, restricted plant species, land-use restrictions, legal processes and requirements for site development and work activities.

What environmental implications may be associated with the planned restoration works?
Beneficial impacts may include the beautification, improved visitor access and contribution of the restored park or garden to neighbourhood, or municipal aesthetics or historical and cultural themes.
Detrimental impacts may include nuisance level noise and emissions associated with large-scale earthworks, hardscape installation and planting activities that may be required components of the restoration works.

What heritage issues may affect the restoration plan?
Heritage issues may include the period of historical or cultural significance to be reinstated, significant designers, significant plants such as original plantings, protection of view lines, and screening of visually obtrusive features.

What professionals may be consulted?
These may be archaeologists, historians, community elders, botanists, landscape architects, engineers and garden specialists.

What restoration procedures may apply to this standard?
Restoration procedures involving softscape features of the park or garden may include soil treatments; preparation of soil surfaces for restoration works; propagation from remnant stock plants where possible; planting; and the retention of site debris. Restoration procedures involving hardscape features of the garden may include installation of irrigation and/or drainage systems; protection of plants by staking, tying and guarding; controlling pedestrian and vehicular traffic through the erection of signs and barriers; and the repair, restoration or replacement of park or garden structures, features and facilities.

What may be involved in the maintenance of softscape and hardscape components of the restored park or garden?
Maintenance of softscape components may involve top dressing, rolling, mowing, watering, fertilisation, pruning, monitoring plant health, the chemical, cultural or biological control of weeds, pests and diseases, and guarding against damage by local fauna and pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Maintenance of hardscape components may involve periodic inspection, cleaning, replacing components, and painting and minor repairs.

What resources may be required for the restoration works?
Physical resources may include soil and plant testing consumables, stabilising materials, weed mats, stakes, tree guards, fencing materials, soil ameliorants, fertilisers, weed, pest and disease control materials, irrigation and drainage system components, traditional appropriate treatments and products and restoration and construction materials.
Human resources may include paid and volunteer labour, contractors, suppliers and consultants.

What tools, equipment and machinery may be required for the restoration works?
Tools, equipment and machinery may include soil and plant tissue testing equipment; hand tools; trailed, 3-point linkage and motorised machinery for excavation, soil treatment, planting and maintenance operations; and specialist restoration and construction equipment.

What OHS hazards may be identified as part of the plan for the restoration of a park or garden?
Hazards may include disturbance or interruption of services, solar radiation, dust, noise, soil-, air- and water-borne micro-organisms, chemicals and hazardous substances, sharp hand tools and equipment, manual handling, moving vehicles, machinery and machinery parts, slippery and uneven surfaces, and falling and flying objects.

What controls may be introduced to minimise the risk of OHS hazards?
Controls should be introduced according to enterprise OHS policies and procedures and may include identifying hazards; assessing and reporting risks; cleaning, maintaining and storing tools, equipment and machinery; appropriate use of personal protective equipment including sun protection; safe operation of tools, equipment and machinery; safe handling, use and storage of chemicals and hazardous substances; correct manual handling; appropriate use of safety equipment such as signage and protective barriers; basic first aid available on site; personal hygiene, and reporting problems to managers.

What specifications for staged implementation may apply to this standard?
These may include gradual replacement of historically or culturally significant plant species, planting during different times and provision of access for future works.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in planning the restoration of parks and gardens requires evidence that a person can assess site factors, select suitable plant species, determine resources and equipment for planting and maintenance, and prepare plans, specifications and associated documents for the restoration of historically or culturally significant parks and gardens.The skills and knowledge required to plan restoration works must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different restoration projects, design philosophies, and enterprise procedures and policies.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

historic parks and gardens management principles and guidelines including Florence and Burra Charter principles (International Charter of Monuments and Sites)
construction procedures, plant selection and cultural practices for historically or culturally significant parks and gardens
legislation and regulations relating to heritage sites and restoration works
site evaluation techniques including methods of analysing the condition of soils, plants and waterways for restoration activities
growth habits and cultural requirements of specific plants under a range of soil and environmental conditions
maintenance requirements and practices for specific plants prior to and after initial establishment
the role of project briefs and client consultation processes in planning restoration works.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

communicate and negotiate orally and in writing with the client, staff, managers, suppliers, contractors and consultants
research and evaluate information
record all relevant information
calculate the cost and spatial and logistical requirements of components of the restoration works
document plans, specifications and restoration work procedures and write reports for staff, managers, clients and contractors
comply with legislative requirements.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Results of the analysis of the site, client requirements, historical and cultural values, and selection of plants and hardscape components should be communicated with the client orally and in writing. There is likely to be negotiation between the developer of the restoration plan and the client to achieve objectives. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Some information will need to be researched and/or obtained from test results. Information addressing the specific requirements of the restoration works should be analysed and outcomes discussed with the client and other members of the work team. Information about restoration works should be organised and presented as a site plan, documented plans, written work procedures and timeline chart, and schedules for park or garden restoration activities. (3)

Planning and organising activities
The planning process should proceed in an orderly and efficient manner. Timely and appropriate information needs to be available for decision-making. The plan for restoration works should reflect the activities required to implement the works. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Planning the restoration of parks and gardens may involve working with other members of a team to achieve the desired outcomes. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical concepts will be required to measure quantities, distances, depth and calculate areas, resources, costs, ratios, scales, planting and application rates. (3)

Solving problems
Problems relating to the requirements of the client, nature of the restoration site, availability of resources, tools, equipment and machinery, costs and environmental issues may arise during planning of the restoration works. (3)

Using technology
Technology will be required to record, store and communicate ideas and information. It will also be used to research relevant information, obtain and analyse data from site evaluation tests, and to produce the park or garden restoration plan. (3)