Development of the AAS
The Adventure Activity Standards were developed by an industry wide consultative process coordinated by Outdoors WA.
19 October 2009
Each standard was developed by a group of industry experts
specific to each activity, called the Technical Working Committee (TWC).
Once the TWC drafted a particular AAS it was released for
public comments which ultimately led to redrafting and publication.
Public comments continue to be welcomed via the online public forum once the
draft standards have been released.
The project is currently being overseen by Outdoors WA, with funding support from the Department of Sport and Recreation. The project is also under the guidance of the Industry Standards Panel (ISP), which reviews and monitors the methodology and outcomes.
Timeline of significant events
2004 & 2006- Gordon Duff, Project Coordinator for the Victorian AAS, was invited to Perth for consultation regarding the implementation and establishment of the Western Australian AAS.
- $185,000 was allocated to Outdoors WA (OWA) over two years to establish and implement the AAS based on clearly defined and documented outcomes and key milestones.
- An announcement was made at the OWA Conference in relation to the strategy to implement the AAS.
- Ralph Gurr was appointed AAS Project Officer through a recruitment and selection process.
- The AAS Advisory Committee was formed. The primary role of the committee is to endorse the ongoing operations and to ratify completed standards as presented by OWA.
- The committee consists of a number of agencies from government and industry leaders.
- Generic EOI to participate in the AAS TWC was released.
- The role of the TWC was to develop each AAS and consists of members of the outdoor adventure industry.
- All respondents to the call for EOI and the targeted call for EOI initiatives were accepted into the process of meeting to draft and or contribute to the redrafting of the AAS.
- TWC released draft AAS for abseiling, with feedback closing 26 October.
- Between November 2006 and April 2009, 16 AAS in total have been drafted, with each standard having had opportunity for input and comment from industry.
- AAS Advisory Committee met and discussed some of the challenges associated with the implementation and roll out of the AAS.
- Specific issues were the linking of the AAS with current DET Outdoor Education Guidelines and qualifications and the roll out dates associated with attaining some of the qualifications associated with the AAS.
- The Industry Standards Panel (ISP) commenced a rolling review of all AAS. Currently the artificial surface climbing, challenge ropes and bushwalking AAS are open to review and the industry has until 22 October 2009 to submit feedback.
Geordie Thompson
Manager Recreation Services
Department of Sport and Recreation
246 Vincent Street, LEEDERVILLE WA 6007
PO Box 329, LEEDERVILLE WA 6903
Telephone (08) 9492 9718
Facsimile (08) 9492 9711
Email Geordie
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