Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate within a sustainable community and bioregional development program. It requires knowledge of community energy descent planning, group dynamics, community and bioregional issues. It requires the ability to communicate with a diverse group of people and to think sympathetically and laterally to support change in the community.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
This unit applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems.
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. Research the community and the bioregion | 1.1 Obtain information about the community by reading and discussion 1.2 Obtain information about the bioregion and make connections between this and the community 1.3 Listen sympathetically and think laterally to understand the issues that could affect the program |
2. Work within the community or bioregional development program | 2.1 Become familiar with issues being tackled by the program 2.2 Become familiar with policies, procedures and strategies already adopted by the program 2.3 Work collaboratively within the program guidelines to support or effect change as needed 2.4 Communicate with all members of the community |
3. Participate in the growth of the community or bioregional development program | 3.1 Use permaculture design skills and lateral thinking processes to support ongoing development of the program 3.2 Forge links with like-minded organisations and groups within the bioregion according to the energy descent action plan, or the policies of the program 3.3 Maintain contacts and communications and solve conflicts in a spirit of cooperation and not competition 3.4 Maintain records according to program guidelines |
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:
research a community and a bioregion
work within an existing sustainable community or bioregional development program
participate in ongoing development of the sustainable community or bioregional development program
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
permaculture principles and practices related to sustainable community and bioregional development
Sustainable community and bioregional development programs, such as:
Transition Towns group activities or programs
climate change programs
peak oil or peak resource programs
alternative economic systems such as local exchange trading systems (LETS)
environmental, water catchment and natural resource conservation projects
social and cultural programs
housing and community development programs
community supported agriculture, organic and sustainable primary production and consumer networks and programs
energy descent action planning
local food and water security projects
renewable energy and appropriate technology projects
greenhouse emission reduction and sequestration projects
community profile development
community consultation and facilitation methodologies, such as:
team and community building activities
community forums and discussion
open space events
cultural mapping processes
creative problem solving processes
visualisation and experiential processes
information gathering processes
group dynamics and conflict resolution strategies
Assessment Conditions
essors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also have a nationally accredited Certificate IV or Diploma of Permaculture. Completion of a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) or non-accredited Permaculture Diploma is not sufficient at this level.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Permaculture (PER)