AHCDES509 — Assess landscape sites

1 Collect and collate initial information

• 1.1Consult with client to confirm objectives of assessment
• 1.2Source and verify site plans and maps
• 1.3Identify and collect resources for site assessment
• 1.4Prepare base plan of site and relevant surrounds
• 1.5Verify location, ownership and site boundaries
• 1.6Identify and record protected flora and fauna, current land use and environmental threats and problems
• 1.7Identify and record covenants, legislative and regulatory requirements that could affect the project, design or report
• 1.8Determine climate and weather conditions from historical data

2 Undertake initial site visit

• 2.1Meet site entry conditions and obtain approval where required
• 2.2Identify hazards and risks associated with site visit according to workplace health and safety procedures
• 2.3Undertake site orientation
• 2.4Identify and record existing on-site and adjacent site features that may impact upon the project, plan or report objectives
• 2.5Identify, measure, and record or confirm site dimensions, levels and gradients

3 Compile a site inventory

• 3.1Sample and identify soil types, properties and relevant physical characteristics and record on-site inventory
• 3.2Record and identify vegetation species, health, age and location, and impact on surrounding environment
• 3.3Geolocate or triangulate the position of structural elements and confirm existing services and facilities
• 3.4Record presence, location and extent of site constraints
• 3.5Record offsite elements including microclimates, trees, buildings and terrain that may affect project design

4 Determine the impact of development for trees on site

• 4.1Obtain consulting arborist report to assess trees on site
• 4.2Determine and record tree protection zones and structural root zones
• 4.3Document impact of proposed development on each tree
• 4.4Identify trees exempt from approval requirements
• 4.5Identify and locate on site plan trees impacted by development, according to regulations applying in the local jurisdiction
• 4.6Include trees identified by consulting arborist report requiring pruning or removal in development application

5 Document a site assessment report

• 5.1Interpret soil test results and analyse for further testing requirements
• 5.2Record specific recommendations of remedial action for site problems
• 5.3Formulate recommendations for appropriate risk controls of site hazards according to workplace health and safety procedures
• 5.4Document site information
• 5.5Incorporate all relevant data into assessment report according to client brief and local, state and federal regulatory requirements
• 5.6Document and present assessment report to the client

What does an assessment tool for AHCDES509 need to cover?

To satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence, an assessment for AHCDES509 needs to address all 60 unit components: 5 elements with 30 performance criteria, 11 performance evidence requirements, 17 knowledge evidence requirements, and the foundation skills. A coverage matrix mapping each question and task to these components is what an auditor looks for.

How does Auditori generate an assessment tool for AHCDES509?

Auditori pulls the current release of AHCDES509 from training.gov.au and generates a complete package: candidate assessment, assessor guide with model answers and observation criteria, and a coverage matrix mapping every component. A suitably qualified person then reviews and approves the draft in a built-in workflow — consistent with ASQA's guidance on AI use in VET — before export as branded PDF and editable Word.

Is the first assessment tool really free?

Yes. Every new account includes one free credit — enough to generate the complete assessment tool for AHCDES509 — with no card and no subscription required. After that it's pay-as-you-go per unit.

Can I check my existing AHCDES509 assessment instead of generating a new one?

Yes — upload your existing assessment or learner guide and Auditori maps it against every element, performance criterion, PE and KE of AHCDES509, showing exactly what's covered and what's missing. Mapping costs a quarter of a credit.