In NSW, in response to the NSW Government’s State Plan, Nov 2006 and recognising the need to develop the skills and knowledge to enable compliance with safety standards, and encourage development of responsible environmental, cultural, and corporate management in the outdoor recreation industry, ORIC has undertaken the development of the NSW AAS.

At the 2007 ORIC Conference, ORIC outlined their response to industry needs to addresss the issue of Adventure Activity Standards (AAS) in NSW. A NSW AAS project brief was developed, providing an overview of the NSW AAS Project.

The development and implementation of the NSW AAS will allow the outdoor adventure and outdoor recreation industry to demonstrate its collective integrity and agreed standards. This, in turn will provide a measure of quality for the purposes of assisting:-

• Organisations (both commercial and voluntary), leaders and guides plan and conduct an outdoor recreation activity.
• Providers in considering aspects and practices including planning, leader competency, equipment, safety, emergency procedures and environment.
• Any in-formal group or individual undertaking the activities they describe.
• Consumers of our services to make informed choices about the services they select.
• Training organisations to produce graduates who understand and meet industry standards.
• Media, insurance and legal scrutineers of our industry and its members, to understand what is acceptable practice and what is not.
• The development of sustainable use practices that consider the specific natural and cultural heritage values.

Stage 1 - completed

• Explore the needs for the establishment of Adventure Activity Standards specifically for NSW.
• Research established and developing AAS in other states.
• Review current NSW laws and legislation that impact on the outdoor industry in this state.
• Identify and consult with industry and relevant agencies and stakeholders.

In November 2007, ORIC appointed an Adventure Activity Standards Project Officer, to begin Stage 1 of the project, and upon completion, present a report to the ORIC Board.

The latter months of 2007 and 2008 have seen much research, information gathering and discussions taking place, not only of the various national, international and state specific literature and versions of the AAS in place, but also of the processes involved in reaching those final drafts.

Considerable time has been spent working through the vital components of the project, and appraising the many existing policies, guidelines, training packages, licencing and statutory requirements of the main stakeholders, and establishing communication lines with the relevant stakeholder representatives.

Consultation continues with a range of industry representatives - government agencies, education departments, regulatory and licencing bodies, legal representation, land managers, volunteer organisations, tourism, vocational institutions, environmental groups, etc.

A report presenting the industry findings, the plan for Stage 2 and funding submissions was completed.

Stage 2 - completed

• Establishment of an ORIC Working Group - completed.
• Funding submission - completed.
• Appointment of a Project Manager - completed.
• Scope of project and initial NSW AAS Activities to be developed - determined.
• Nominations for Steering Committee and Technical Working Group representatives - completed.

Stage 3 - completed

• Industry consultation and Information Forums - completed.
• Establishment of the Steering Committee - completed.
• Formation of Technical Working Groups for each Activity, to develop, review, assess and modify each NSW AAS to a preliminary Draft 1 level, suitable for public comment - completed.

There are six (6) adventure activities which are the subject of this initial project stage. They include the following:-

• Abseiling
• Bushwalking
• Canoe & Kayak
• Challenge Ropes Courses
• Mountain Biking
• Rockclimbing

Additional activities will be the subject of future project stages.

The NSW AAS Project is being overseen by the Outdoor Recreation Industry Council (ORIC), with a dedicated AAS Working Group subcommittee and a NSW AAS Project Manager.

The project will operate under the guidance of a Steering Committee who will review project methodology and outcomes, and receive input through individual Activity specific Technical Working Groups.

The NSW AAS will be developed by the industry, for the industry, and involve many organisations, groups, agencies and individuals, including:-

• State government departments
• Activity specific peak bodies
• Professional associations
• Commercial operators
• Clubs, Community and Not-for-Profit organisations
• Independent industry experts
• Vocational and educational institutions
• Environmental organisaitons
• Tourism organisations
• Insurance and ancillary industry representatives

Consultation with industry is a major part of the project, with ORIC seeking comment on the development of the NSW AAS. Information Forums will take place throughout NSW, inviting feedback and input for the development and implementation of the NSW AAS.

It is important that each NSW AAS be developed independently to ensure relevance and currency in relation to specific activities, whilst remaining consistent in layout and content. This will ensure that the NSW AAS can be easily used as a reference document that has a consistency in design and framework across all activities, whilst at the same time remaining an independent and complete document in itself.

NSW AAS Draft 1 documents for the initial six Activities for which NSW AAS Guidelines are currently being being developed were made available for download, public comment and feedback until Friday 5th June 2009.

Stage 4 - completed

• Development of Draft 2 documents suitable for public comment - completed.
• Draft 2 Documents available for public input and feedback - completed.

All captured feedback and comments will be fed through Technical Working Groups, analysed and recommendations made to assist with the development of Version 1 NSW AAS Guidelines.

Stage 5 - ongoing

• Development of NSW AAS Version 1 Documents.
• Submission of Version 1 Documents for legal comment.