The Department of Sport and Recreation has led the nation developing a new framework for cutting bureaucratic red tape imposed on outdoor adventure activity companies in consultation with other State and territory Departments and industry representatives.
Minister for Sport, Mick de Brenni said the Australian Adventure Activity Standards and Good Practice Guides would help draw tourists to Queensland by ensuring the local outdoors industry was safer than ever.
“Whether you’re climbing the Glasshouse Mountains, horse riding in the Scenic Rim, or braving the rapids up north in Tully Gorge, you’ll be able to feel safe as you experience what Queensland has to offer,” Mr de Brenni said.
He said the framework was designed to create a clear set of rules nationwide, delivering streamlined business operations and avoidance of the regulatory burden by small and medium sized business.
“It has been a four-year process to get all the States on board, so we have one true national framework for good practice, risk and safety management,” Mr de Brenni said.
“All providers of outdoor adventure activities should now use the guidelines to inform their safety management and activity practices so they are higher quality with reduced risk.”
President of the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation, Allana Bold said a national set of standards was more efficient and effective than a State-by-State approach.
“We will be able to reduce red tape while improving safety outcomes,” Mrs Bold said.
“This is a great result for nature-based tourism, outdoor education and outdoor recreation groups and businesses, as well as participants themselves.”
More than 100 industry technical experts with extensive field experience in a wide range of outdoors and adventure activities volunteered their time to help create the guidelines.
The project was funded by the Meeting of the Sport and Recreation Ministers of Australia.
