Step 6: Implementation

This step involves the implementation of the project designed in step 5, and can include on-ground works, applied research, engagement, education and awareness, applied research and monitoring (in accordance with the Condition Assessment Monitoring Plan - (CAMP)). Decisions now need to be made about the most effective way to implement the project. If the people who developed the detailed design are not those involved in the implementation there needs to be clear instructions provided, and a strategy in place for who to contact if further information is needed.

Underlying considerations

A task plan may be needed to ensure everyone is aware of their roles and responsibilities. Engaging contractors with relevant experience can mean they are better informed of the risks and can help resolve any issues quickly, minimising downtime. Project managers should be onsite during implementation to induct and advise contractors. Access to the site for machinery and staff will need to be considered well before implementation begins on site.

Expert oversight (such as in fauna, flora, hydrology etc.) may be required particularly where designs are amended during construction. For example, a fishway biologist should be on site during construction of a fishway to assess any changes to designs and provide quality control.

Consideration must also be given to the biosecurity arrangements of the project. Work to remove invasive weeds should not introduce alternate threats or spread them to other sites.

Before any works are undertaken, it is important to implement the CAMP and ensure a baseline condition assessment is undertaken if it has not been done in Step 2. This will enable the effectiveness of any changes to be evaluated. Once the site baseline condition has been recorded, any site preparations can then be undertaken. This may include soil improvement, plant removal, access, or contamination and waste disposal.

The value of well planned before and after photographs should not be underestimated in community engagement and other forms of sharing. It is also a good idea to discuss with the community the likely changes that may occur, so that actions like vegetation removal or vehicle and pedestrian access impacts can be anticipated.

It can be helpful to know how other rehabilitation projects have been implemented, especially similar actions or those in the local area. Look at rehabilitation projects implemented in Queensland on the project search tool.

Things to think about

• What expert advice is needed and is it available?
• Have the legal requirements for the rehabilitation work been identified and adhered to? What permits are required? Ensure all site requirements are in place (e.g. notifications, signage, set-backs).
• Are workplace health and safety conditions for all collaborators documented and in place?
• Have site inductions been undertaken for contractors?
• Has a site visit occurred prior to implementation to ground-truth the design and ensure a coordinated approach?
• Has the project plan been well articulated to those implementing it on site, and are there clear lines of communication?
• Has public access been considered and are measures in place to reduce any trips, falls or injury hazards?
• Has baseline condition assessment information been collected prior to starting works to benchmark the site condition and demonstrate change?
• How does the site need to be prepared before works can commence?
• Are the weather and flow conditions optimal for the intervention?
• Will there be machinery on site? Are there plans to guide and educate the driver?
• Have the location of existing utilities been checked (e.g. gas, water pipes)?
• Are the resources available to be used on site? Check quantity required.
• Are appropriate impact control measures in place (e.g. temporary sediment fences)?
• Don't get plants too early and plan for their arrival. Where will they be kept? How will they be watered?
• Place plants in position and assess the layout before planting. Planting in rows may be efficient where large areas are being planted.
• If the plant looks dead don't give up straight away. Some plants will come from shaded nurseries and may take some time (or even lose their leaves) before hardening and regrowing. If there is green in the stem or it can be bent, it is probably still alive.
• If using herbicides to reduce weeds, ensure that it is the correct one for the target weed and that it is frog and wildlife friendly. Root-absorbed broad-spectrum herbicides should not be applied within 50 metres of the defining bank of a wetland or waterway.
• If removing weeds, plan around the breeding cycles of the species that already live there.
• Consider undertaking the work in stages to ensure areas for resident fauna are available to retreat to while the new plants have a chance to establish and provide cover.
• Although some trees may be lost in the longer-term, the closer the trees are planted, the quicker they will grow and provide shade, which may be important for some sites but not all.

Last updated: 30 June 2022