What is a Land Capability Assessment?
                     What is a 
Land 
Capability 
Assessment?
Introduction
A Land Capability Assessment is a report that 
assesses the viability of onsite wastewater 
management on a site where there is no 
reticulated sewerage.
Source: www.bendigo.vic.gov.au
2
Provides 
Information
It provides vital information on site-specific 
limitations for onsite wastewater 
management, as well as suitable management 
strategies to reduce impacts of the system on 
its surrounds.
Source: www.bendigo.vic.gov.au
3
What is land 
capability?
Land capability is the ability of land to support 
a given land use without causing damage. 
Assessment of land capability considers the 
specific requirements of the land use (e.g. 
rooting depth or soil water availability) and 
the risks of degradation associated with the 
land use (e.g. phosphorus export hazard or 
wind erosion).
Source: www.agric.wa.gov.au
4
Assessment
sLand capability assessments are a first step in 
assessing land suitability for a given use. 
'Suitability' considers other factors such as 
economics, infrastructure requirements, 
labour access, water and energy access, 
conflicting and complementary land uses, and 
the policy framework.
Source: www.agric.wa.gov.au
5
Use of 
Assessment
We use the land capability assessment 
method to assess land suitability for existing 
and potential agricultural and non-agricultural 
uses. The method identifies possible physical, 
chemical and degradation constraints to land 
use on particular soils and landscapes.
Source: www.agric.wa.gov.au
6
Use of 
Assessment Cont.
This information is then used by planners, 
managers and advisers to improve sustainable 
development. Land capability assessment has 
become an important prerequisite for rural 
land-use planning
Source: www.agric.wa.gov.au
7
Capability 
Ratings
Five land capability classes are commonly 
used in Western Australia. Most properties 
consist of land with a range of capability 
classes. These classes are specific to the land 
use being considered.
Source: www.agric.wa.gov.au
8
Who should carry 
out an LCA?
The preparation of an LCA requires a range of 
skills and must be prepared to a high standard 
in order to meet council requirements. 
Source: vicsmartguide.com.au
9
THANK 
YOU
10