At the 2007 ORIC Conference, ORIC outlined their response to industry need to addresss the issue of Adventure Activity Standards in NSW. An AAS project brief was developed, providing an overview of the 2 Stage project, the scope of which was to in Stage 1:

• 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
• and identity and consult with industry and relevant agencies and stakeholders

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

The late part of 2007 and early months of 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 of the processes involved in reaching those final drafts. Marg has spent considerable time 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 is currently ongoing 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.

This phase is expected to be completed by June 2008. A report presenting the findings, the plan for Stage 2 and funding submissions will be prepared for consideration by the ORIC Board.

Stage 2, expected to take between 8-12 months, will move the project through the establishment of an Overview Committee, fundin, and the formation of Technical Committees for each Activity Standard to develop, review, assess and modify each Standard to a preliminary NSW draft level, suitable for public comment.

Progress on the development of the AAS in other states is also available.