Course Title: Plan river restoration works

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2009

Course Code: EASC5030C

Course Title: Plan river restoration works

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5161 - Diploma of Conservation and Land Management

Course Contact: Helen Corney

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4723

Course Contact Email: helen.corney@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 150

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit covers planning of river restoration works and defines the standard required to:
restoration strategies are checked for compliance and discussed with client;
develop erosion and sediment control measures;
follow industry guidelines to establish fauna habitat and vegetation species;
document the strategy and submit to the relevant consent authority; prepare a detailed works plan. 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

RTD5522A Plan river restoration works

Element:

1. Establish client need

Performance Criteria:

1.1 The client expectations are discussed and confirmed.

1.2 Current impacting legislation and policies are explained to the client.

1.3 Possible strategies are discussed with the client and the best option confirmed in writing.

Element:

2. Develop the strategy to utilise restoration works

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Property ownership and boundaries are confirmed by checking maps and titles.

2.2 Profiles of river sections are determined from survey and aerial photographs.

2.3 Erosion control measures are developed and are consistent with industry principles and selection criteria.

2.4 Sediment control measures are developed consistent with industry principles and selection criteria.

2.5 Fauna habitats are developed following industry recommendations.

2.6 Vegetation species utilised within restoration project comply with industry guidelines.

2.7 River restoration strategies are established and documented in co-operation with the client and relevant consent authority.

 

Element:

3. Prepare a detailed works plan

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Selection criteria for earthwork structures or measures ae checked against industry guidelines.

3.2 Habitat enhancement strategies are checked against industry guidelines.

3.3 Plan is prepared according to enterprise guidelines and industry best practice. 


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

The course will provide a combination of learning activities. 

These include:  field trips, guest speakers, lectures and self directed learning.  Self directed learning will be supported through the use of an interactive CD - "River Landscapes" developed by the Australian Government -Land and Water Australia.   This CD has no copy right and so can be copied by students for their personal use.


Teaching Schedule

Plan River Restoration Works - Timetable
Week Date Couse content
1 14/7/09

Intro

Defining Rivers

2 21/7/09

The Components of a River

Relevant Legislation 

3 28/7/09

Guiding principles for restoration

Steps 1-3  12 Step Guide

4 4/8/09

Upper Catchment Field Trip

River restoration in the Upper Catchment

5 11/8/09 Common Australian problems
6 18/8/09 Assessing your stream/river
7 25/8/09 Field Trip - River Restoration Works
8 1/9/09 Environmental Flows
9 8/9/09 Field Trip to Lower Yarra - Melbourne Water Rehab project
10 15/9/09 Assessing a River of your choice
    SEMESTER BREAK
11 29/9/09

Geomorphology/Instream issues

Guest speaker: Dan Borg

12 6/10/09 GRAMPIANS CAMP
13 13/10/09 Assessment piece - group work
14 20/10/09 WORK PLACEMENTS
15 27/10/09 Revision
16 3/11/09 Assessment 3 - TEST
17 10/11/09 Assessment 1 - Class presentations
18 17/11/09 END SEMESTER


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Rutherfurd, I.D., Jerie, K., and Marsh, N., 2000  A Rehabilitation Manual for Australian Streams.  Volume 1, Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation, Canberra, Australia 

Rutherfurd, I.D., Jerie, K., and Marsh, N., 2000 A Rehabilitation Manual for Australian Streams. Volume2, Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation, Canberra, Australia


References


Other Resources

CD - "River Landscapes" developed by the Australian Government -Land and Water Australia. This CD has no copy right and so can be copied by students for their personal use. 


Overview of Assessment

assessment will include
a research Assignment 
one  test 

 


Assessment Tasks

ASSESSMENT 1: GROUP WORK RIVER RESTORATION PLAN AND CLASS PRESENTATION

Select a river or stream as a case study.
Using the 12 Principles of restoration as a guide provide a detailed assignment on the case for restoration and how you plan to achieve it.
Your assignment should include:
A map and drawings or photo’s of the river.
A description of the ‘reach’ that you have chosen to work with.
Outline your goals for restoring your stream/river
A description of stakeholders
A design of your project
Your assessment of the reach – its assets and problems
Your focus and priorities for restoration and the reasons behind this focus
Management strategies that you are going to apply.
How you will monitor and evaluate your project

NB: PRESENTATION TO BE MAXIMUM OF 10 MINUTES.
All members of the group MUST present.
(You may use any visual/technical aids to assist your presentation – however these must be organised with Rhys Jones (CALM technician) prior to your presentation date.


ASSESSMENT 2: ESSAY

An essay on a given topic relating to current issues of river restoration within Australia.


ASSESSMENT 3: TEST

A 1.5hr test on the material that has been covered throughout the semester. Questions on the test will relate to:
underpinning knowledge,
common terms,
current policies and legislation
restoration techniques.



Assessment Matrix

Course Overview: Access Course Overview