Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00253:clause:5_2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00253
Segment Type: clause
Provision Reference: sch 5 cl 2
Character Range: 148057–150111

2  Establishing permanent sampling plots
 (1) This section sets out how to establish the permanent sampling plots in an activity area, as part of the SSA, for the purposes of paragraph 30(1)(c).
 (2) The permanent sampling plots will be used to:
 (a) determine the starting values of the indicators for the activity area for paragraph 30(1)(e); and
 (b) assess the starting ecosystem condition state for the purposes of paragraph 30(1)(f); and
 (c) monitor progress of the indicators towards the threshold values and nominated restoration targets for subsection 48(1).

The process
 (3) Determine the size of the activity area in hectares;
 (4) Based on the size of the activity area, determine the required number of sampling plots in accordance with following table:

Size of activity area        Required number of sampling plots
1 hectare or less            1
Between 1 and 5 hectares     2
Between 5 and 10 hectares    3
Between 10 and 50 hectares   4
Between 50 and 100 hectares  5
100 hectares or larger       7

 (5) Subdivide the activity area into equal portions, 1 for each required sampling plot.
 (6) In each portion, randomly select the location of a sampling plot of 50m by 10m.
 (7) If necessary, discard the selected locations, and randomly select new ones until the selected locations are, between them, representative of at least 90% of the activity area.
 (8) In each sampling plot, either:
 (a) place a permanent marker at both ends of the centre line of the plot; or
 (b) place a permanent marker at one end and take a compass bearing along the centre line of the plot, recording the bearing in the site assessment report.
A permanent marker can be a post, a marker on the ground or a GPS marker.
 (9) Assign a unique identifying number to each sampling plot. Record this number in the site assessment report and attach it to the permanent marker or markers in the sampling plot.
 (10) Where relevant, ensure that the location of the sampling plot and the permanent markers are consistent with culturally informed project design.