Media Statement
246 Vincent Street
LEEDERVILLE, Western Australia 6007
Tel: (08) 9492 9700 Fax: (08) 9492 9711
G O V E R N M E N T O F W E S T E R N A U S T R A L I A
Department of Sport and Recreation
Government of Western Australia
8 May 2008
Attention: Chief of Staff/Editor in Chief
Industry standards launched for outdoor adventure
The outdoor adventure industry in WA now has a set of standards for the safe and
environmentally sustainable conduct of outdoor activities for groups. The standards
represent phase one of the Adventure Activity Standards (AAS) project.
Funded by the Department of Sport and Recreation and coordinated by Outdoors
WA, the first phase of the AAS project has seen standards developed for abseiling,
canyoning, rock climbing, artificial climbing and challenge ropes courses.
The Adventure Activity Standards detail minimum standards in planning, outdoor
leader responsibilities, equipment requirements and environmental considerations.
The standards have been developed for organisations and outdoor leaders delivering
outdoor adventure programs or activities for groups including commercial, not-for-
profit, tourist and educational groups.
Department of Sport and Recreation Director General Ron Alexander said the
standards would assist those in the industry to manage the quality of the delivery of
these activities by using the standards as benchmarks to assess their own operating
procedures. Increased safety, consumer confidence and program quality will result.
“The Adventure Activity Standards are a significant step forward in benchmarking
standards that can be used by public, private and government entities in the outdoor
sector,” Mr Alexander said.
“The AAS project is an outstanding example of government and industry working
together towards a shared outcome.”
Mr Alexander said the Adventure Activity Standards would complement existing
elements of the industry quality framework.
“We acknowledge that most outdoor adventure activity providers will have existing
policies and procedures in place to ensure participant safety and environmental
sustainability,” Mr Alexander said.
“The Adventure Activity Standards will provide consistent minimum standards that
can be used to evaluate existing policies and procedures.”
The next set of standards including bushwalking, snorkeling and wildlife swims,
scuba, recreation angling, canoeing, kayaking, sea kayaking and river rafting are due
for completion in July 2008.
Standards for mountain biking, trail bike riding, four wheel driving, horse trail riding,
caving and surfing will follow.
The AAS project was commissioned as a result of recommendations of the
Ministerial Task Force Review of Adventure Tourism Visitor Safety in Western
Australia.
ENDS
____________________
Media contact:
David Russell
Department of Sport and Recreation
9492 9700
david.russell@dsr.wa.gov.au
NEWS 
