Training, Partnerships and Advisory Services Manager with the Lachlan Catchment Management Authority, Peter Sparkes, said that the training was specifically designed to recognise and accredit the skills of the contractors as well as fine tune specialist skills in earthworks design according to Lachlan CMA specifications.

“We know that there are a lot of professional operators out there” said Mr Sparkes, “so the training will be more about getting the skills formally recognised, doing some fine tuning and making sure that landholders in the Lachlan Catchment have access to accredited, highly skilled operators who will do a professional and thorough job on earthworks projects.”

This will mean real environmental outcomes for the natural resources of the Lachlan Catchment. Professionally constructed conservation earthworks can positively impact on erosion control, soil health, habitat and water quality.

“The marketing advantages of having staff trained to a Nationally recognised qualification will also be very significant for these businesses”, Mr Sparkes added.

Training being undertaken by the contracting companies is from the National Conservation and Land Management Training Package and will be delivered by Australian Large Training Provider of the Year 2007, the Western Institute of TAFE (WIT).

The qualification will be achieved by the staff of each company using a combination of face to face learning, on the job assessment and recognised prior learning.

Units covered in the course will include construction and design, site assessment, costing projects and environmental work practices.

The Lachlan Catchment Management Authority has worked closely with WIT to determine suitable modules and their content.

Contractors for the course were selected via an expression of interest process advertised widely across the Lachlan Catchment and are located in Crookwell, Blayney, Yass, Forbes, Canowindra and Grenfell.

To find out more about accredited earthworks providers in your area or projects you can be involved in to protect our natural resources contact your local Lachlan CMA Office.