Product Overview

Summary: This Land Rehabilitation Post-Clearing SOP provides a clear, step-by-step framework for safely restoring land after vegetation clearing activities. It supports WHS, environmental and planning compliance across Australian jurisdictions while protecting workers, neighbouring communities and sensitive ecosystems during rehabilitation works.

Land rehabilitation after clearing is a critical stage in any civil, mining, infrastructure or land development project. Done poorly, it can expose workers to unstable ground, machinery incidents, dust, heat stress and chemical hazards, while also creating long-term environmental liabilities and non‑compliance with approvals. This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured, WHS‑aligned method for planning and executing post‑clearing rehabilitation works, from initial site assessment and erosion control through to revegetation and monitoring.

The document helps Australian businesses integrate safety, environmental and quality requirements into one practical procedure. It clarifies responsibilities between supervisors, operators, environmental specialists and subcontractors, and provides consistent controls for high‑risk activities such as working on steep or disturbed batters, handling topsoil and mulch, applying seed and fertiliser, installing erosion and sediment controls and operating plant in degraded terrain. By implementing this SOP, organisations can demonstrate due diligence under WHS and environmental legislation, reduce rework and project delays, and leave cleared areas in a stable, safe and compliant condition ready for their agreed end use.

Key Benefits

• Ensure land rehabilitation works are carried out in a safe, controlled and legally defensible manner.
• Reduce the risk of worker injury associated with unstable ground, plant movement and exposure to environmental hazards.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS, environmental and planning approval conditions across Australian jurisdictions.
• Standardise rehabilitation practices across projects, contractors and locations to improve quality and consistency of outcomes.
• Minimise erosion, sediment run-off, dust and community complaints that can lead to regulatory action and reputational damage.

Who is this for?

• Project Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Environmental Managers
• WHS Managers
• Civil Construction Managers
• Land Development Managers
• Mine and Quarry Managers
• Local Government Works Supervisors
• Rehabilitation Contractors
• Environmental Consultants

Hazards Addressed

• Unstable or sloping ground leading to slips, trips, falls and ground collapse
• Plant and vehicle interactions during rehabilitation works on uneven terrain
• Exposure to dust, heat, UV radiation and adverse weather conditions
• Manual handling injuries from handling topsoil, rocks, erosion control products and vegetation
• Chemical exposure from herbicides, fertilisers, soil binders and hydro‑mulch additives
• Bites and stings from snakes, spiders and insects in disturbed habitats
• Noise and vibration from earthmoving and rehabilitation equipment
• Working near watercourses, drains and wetlands with associated drowning or bogging risks
• Striking underground or above‑ground services during ripping, contouring or planting
• Fatigue and dehydration during extended outdoor work in remote or exposed locations

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 References, Legislation and Standards
• 4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 5.0 Pre‑Start Planning and Approvals Review
• 6.0 Site Assessment and Risk Identification
• 7.0 Required PPE, Tools, Plant and Materials
• 8.0 Topsoil Management and Stockpiling Procedures
• 9.0 Earthworks, Contouring and Batter Stabilisation
• 10.0 Erosion and Sediment Control Installation
• 11.0 Revegetation, Seeding and Planting Procedures
• 12.0 Use, Handling and Storage of Herbicides and Soil Amendments
• 13.0 Traffic Management and Mobile Plant Controls in Rehabilitation Areas
• 14.0 Environmental Protection Measures (dust, noise, water quality, fauna)
• 15.0 Working in Remote or Exposed Locations (heat, UV, communication)
• 16.0 Monitoring, Inspection and Maintenance of Rehabilitated Areas
• 17.0 Incident, Near Miss and Non‑Conformance Management
• 18.0 Recordkeeping, Reporting and Handover Requirements
• 19.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 20.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and harmonised state and territory WHS Acts and Regulations
• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) and relevant state environmental legislation
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Chemicals (various, as applicable to herbicides and fertilisers)
• AS/NZS ISO 14001: Environmental management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• AS 1940: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids (where fuel and certain chemicals are stored on site)
• AS 2156: Walking tracks – Infrastructure design (as guidance where temporary access tracks are used during rehabilitation)
• Local and state erosion and sediment control guidelines (e.g. IECA Best Practice Erosion and Sediment Control guidelines)