Environment and Conservation

As society becomes more aware of the economic importance of a sustainable environment, the demand for expertise in fields involving the management and protection of the natural environment is growing.

TAFE NSW - Northern Sydney Institute is one of the premier providers of environmental training in Australia , and is a specialist training centre for horticulture and environmental management.

With a broad selection of courses on offer, including Bush Regeneration and Environmental Studies, and Applied Environmental Management, you have the choice to use qualifications as a stepping stone to further tertiary study or as high-level skills leading you directly to employment in your chosen field.

Recognition for prior learning and experience is available for these courses, click here for more details.

A range of courses and short programs are delivered throughout the Institute in the following areas: 

• Conservation and Land Management (specialising in either General Land Management, Lands, Parks & Wildlife, Natural Area Restoration & Management or Weed Management)
• Applied Environmental Management
• Environmental Studies
• General Land Management
• Marine Studies
  

DECC - BioBanking Assessors - Proposed 2009 Program

This information is offered regarding our proposed program for 2009 and to allow you to register for information updates.

Applications for biobanking agreements and biobanking statements require an assessment of the site using the BioBanking Credit Calculator (a software version of the BioBanking Assessment Methodology) to be made by an accredited person.

Information on the BioBanking scheme is available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) website http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/biobanking/index.htm

These people known as ‘BioBanking Assessors’ are individuals such as ecological consultants.

Participants who complete the BioBanking Assessors Program (and are assessed as competent in the understanding of the BioBanking Assessment Methodology and the use of the BioBanking Credit Calculator) will be eligible for consideration by the DECC as an ‘accredited person’ in the use of the BioBanking Assessment Methodology and BioBanking Credit Calculator.

Only a DECC accredited BioBanking Assessor can submit a report to DECC based on the use of the BioBanking Assessment Methodology and BioBanking Credit Calculator, although individuals who have completed the BioBanking Assessors course, but are not DECC accredited may still use the methodology and the calculator under the supervision of an accredited person.

What does the program cover?

The BioBanking Assessors program is a four-consecutive-day course covering:

• an overview of the BioBanking Scheme,
• the improve or maintain test,
• understanding biodiversity credits
• the BioBanking Assessment Methodology
• definitions of low condition, red flag, site and condition assessment and
• the application of the BioBanking Credit Calculator.

The program will include theory and practical exercises, and assessment tasks for those seeking accreditation. There is pre-reading material provided and you will need to bring an initial assessment task to the first session.

The areas of the BioBanking Assessors program where participant pre-requisite (assumed) knowledge is expected are listed below. Whilst these skills are required to collect, interpret and validate data as part of the BioBanking Assessment Methodology and BioBanking Credit Calculator application, specific skill development in the areas below will not be included as part of this course:

• Native plant and weed species identification;
• Specific skills in threatened species surveys and use of GIS software;
• Preparation of ‘Expert Reports’ (an option for replacing the need for a threatened species survey)
• Variations to standard procedures noted in the methodology.

All participants in the course must be experienced and competent in the use PC computers, Microsoft Windows® XP operating system and Microsoft Office® software.

DECC may be able to provide an applicant with general advice on the adequacy of their qualifications and experience. However, an assessment of the authenticity of the qualifications and experience will not be made before the completion of the BioBanking Assessors program. Successful completion will not automatically guarantee accreditation by DECC.

When you enrol, you will be sent a ‘Unit Information and Assessment Guide’ that will describe the essential information you need to know in order to complete the ‘BioBanking Assessors Course’.

The guide contains specific information on the study aims of this course, essential readings, the assessment requirements for the course and other supporting information.

Next Steps

We propose running a course monthly in 2009 starting in early march. Courses will be limited to a maximum of 15 participants and will be run in Sydney and selected regional areas.

The fee will be $1850 (+GST) including review of submitted material for accreditation by DECC.

Actual dates are still being decided but you can register your interest by sending us an email with your details and course month preferences. We will update you regarding course dates and when dates are set, how to enrol. The first update will be 20th January.

Keep me updated