Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Establish development assessment system outcomes 

1.1 Constraints  under which the development assessment system can operate are identified.

1.2 Clear strategic directions for development assessment are developed based on state, regional and local strategies.

1.3 Integrated policy framework is developed through exchanges of development control policies between all key assessment, referral and concurrence agencies.

1.4 Desired outcomes are stated for all planning and development controls.

1.5 Strategies and policies  for high quality, sustainable development are clearly specified.

1.6 Innovation and variety are identified in the strategies and policies.

2 Implement the development assessment system 

2.1 Policy and assessment systems are clearly documented and separated.

2.2 Relevant strategies, policies and controls are collated and made available for easy access to stakeholders  .

2.3 Pre-application processes are established to ensure access information or compliance with conditions for lodgement.

2.4 Processes are established for larger development proposals.

2.5 Processes are established to ensure applicants are able to monitor status of applications.

2.6 All decisions are clearly documented.

2.7 Independent mediation is used for resolving conflict in difficult circumstances.

2.8 Independent appeals process is established with third-party rights for proposals with broad impacts.

2.9 Procedures for compliance and enforcement are clearly articulated and exercised according to council requirements and processes.

3 Monitor the development assessment system 

3.1 Management structures and process models applicable to the scope of the development assessment system are identified.

3.2 Council agreement to a management structure and development assessment system, including appropriate resources, is obtained.

3.3 Assessment costs are regularly monitored.

3.4 Human resources  requirements, facilities, consumables and equipment needs are identified.

3.5 Assessment agencies are coordinated to avoid unnecessary processes and costs.

3.6 Assessment of applications are monitored.

3.7 All key elements of the assessment process are monitored for effective performance according to desired outcomes.

3.8 Strategies for system improvement are identified and established.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit

Required Skills 

• collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative data
• consulting with stakeholders
• presenting
• negotiating
• planning, implementation and review processes
• evaluation processes
• verbal and written reporting

Required Knowledge 

• environmental issues
• environmental management and planning
• stakeholder needs and expectations
• council structure, policies and services
• relevant legislation
• resource availability

Overview of assessment requirements 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the Elements to the required performance level detailed in the Performance Criteria. The knowledge and skill requirements described in the Range Statement must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered 

The demonstrated ability to:

• establish clear and comprehensive development assessment system outcomes
• implement development assessment system that provides clear processes for the assessment and documentation of applications and proposals
• put in place processes to monitor and evaluate the development assessment system.

Context of assessment 

Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria, with particular attention to the critical aspects of evidence and the knowledge and skills elaborated in the Evidence Guide, and within the scope of the Range Statement.

Assessment must take account of the endorsed Assessment Guidelines in the Local Government Training Package.

Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken in an actual workplace or simulated environment.

Assessment should reinforce the integration of the key competencies for the particular AQF level. Refer to the key competency levels at the end of this unit.

Relationship to other units (prerequisite or co-requisite units )

To enable holistic assessment this unit may be assessed with other units that form part of the job role.

Method of assessment 

The following assessment methods are suggested:

• observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies
• written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
• completion of workplace documentation
• third-party reports from experienced practitioners
• completion of self-paced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance 

Evidence should be collected over a set period of time that is sufficient to include dealings with an appropriate range and variety of situations.

Resource implications 

The learner and trainer should have access to appropriate documentation and resources normally used in the workplace.

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised  wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Human resources  may include:

• existing staff
• project officers
• consultants
• government agencies
• representatives of community, business and industry organisations

Council policy  may include:

• customer services
• fees and charges
• policies and guidelines
• notification procedures
• complaint handling
• appeals processes
• records information system
• enforcement policies and procedures

Stakeholders  may include:

• council
• community
• government
• government agencies
• other local or regional authorities
• interest groups
• industry
• business
• state and commonwealth government agencies
• residents
• adjoining property owners

Constraints  may include:

• budget
• resources
• time lines
• knowledge
• available data