LATEST NEWS
11:00am Friday 31 May - 4:00pm Saturday 1 June, 2013
Somers School Camp, Lord Somers Road, Somers.
Connect with 100+ outdoor educators; outdoors associations; suppliers / providers; and government agencies at this key annual sector event. More info »
More info »
More info »
PrintFact Sheet
Victoria ’s Adventure Activity Standards (AAS) project is Australia’s first industry-supported safety and environmental guidelines for all providers of group adventure activities.
The AAS provide clarity on risk management and environmentally sustainable practices for Victoria’s adventure sector, which includes commercial and not-for-profit providers.
They cover essential practices, including leader competency, emergency procedures, equipment and commitment to environmentally sustainable practices.
Most providers of these activities already have responsible practices and policies in place to ensure the safety and environmental sustainability of their activities. The AAS provide a common benchmark for these providers, as well as enabling new organisations to be informed and helping build consistent practices across the commercial and not-for-profit sector.
The AAS project was initially funded by the Victorian Government and facilitated by the Outdoor Recreation Centre Inc.(Victoria), ensuring consideration for recreation, education, professional, camping, tourism and environmental organisations, and aiming to encourage sustainable, safe and fun outdoor activities.
Victorian Government agencies, including Sport and Recreation Victoria, Parks Victoria, Tourism Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment, were closely involved in developing the Standards. Emergency services, education bodies, insurers and risk management specialists also provided input.
Stage One of the project launched by Victoria ’s Minister for Sport and Recreation, Justin Madden, in July 2003, developed AAS for seven adventurous activities. These included:
- Artificial Surface Rock Climbing
- Natural Surface Rock Climbing
- River Rafting
- Recreational Caving
- Recreational Angling
- Mountain Biking
- Four Wheel Driving
Stage Two of the project developed AAS for an additional eight activities, including:
- Horse Trail Riding
- Bushwalking
- Abseiling
- Surfing
- Trail Bike Riding
- Challenge Ropes
- Kayaking & Canoeing
- Scuba Diving/snorkelling and wildlife swims
Two more AAS, for resort and non-resort based snow activities, were developed in late 2004/early 2005.
The AAS are flexible and able to be developed further as requirements change.
The AAS compliment existing industry frameworks including the National Outdoor Recreation Industry Training Package and the National Outdoor Leader Registration Scheme.
The AAS are integrated into Parks Victoria’s licensing agreements for adventure businesses operating on public land, Camping Association of Victoria and Better Business Tourism accreditation programs.
They are also being linked with the Victorian Department of Education’s ongoing process of updating guidelines for schools participating in adventure activities.