Queensland outdoor adventure standards launched

The new Queensland Adventure Activity Standards (AAS), a comprehensive set of voluntary guidelines to help the outdoor recreation industry maintain safe operating procedures, have been launched.

Speaking at the launch at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, where he joined a group of abseiling professionals and canoe enthusiasts, Queensland Sport Minister Phil Reeves explained that the Standards covered a range of activities, "all aspects of adventure activity planning, leader skills and responsibilities, equipment and environmental practices for each activity have been considered and developed into the Standards.

"The Standards will assist activity providers to establish their own Standard Operating Procedures.

"While these are voluntary, they set minimum benchmarks which should encourage a high level of industry acceptance and compliance.

"We want to make sure Queenslanders can enjoy their outdoor activities safely."

Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation Chief Executive, Donna Little said the Standards were a positive example of collaboration.

"The Standards were written by the industry and for the industry with the assistance of government's resources."

"This means they are a practical tool for outdoor providers to use."

"We're satisfied with these standards, and were pleased to collaborate on a document that will be extremely helpful."

"We'll continue to work with government to make sure these guidelines remain relevant for the industry."

Minister Reeves said the standards would complement existing Workplace Health and Safety, Transport and Maritime Safety legislation that also governs these types of activities, adding "we all know that participating in outdoor recreation and getting active is one of the best ways to improve our quality of life, both physically and socially.

"Recently we announced a new package of sport and recreation funding programs to deliver more than $138 million to create jobs, help build infrastructure and deliver initiatives to encourage Queenslanders to take part in sport and recreation activities."

The Adventure Activity Standards provide information for a range of activities including abseiling, bushwalking and canoeing or kayaking.

For more information on the Queensland Adventure Activity Standards visit www.sportrec.qld.gov.au

Image: White Water rafting on the Tully River Gorge.

24th September 2009 - OUTDOORS NZ SUPPORTS ADVENTURE TOURISM INQUIRY

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