Outdoor Council of Australia Unveils Strategic Plan at Member Forum
- Lori Modde
- Jun 21
- 2 min read
The Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) has officially launched its much-anticipated Strategic Plan, setting a bold direction for the nation’s outdoor industry for the next five years. The announcement was made during the OCA Member Forum on 19 June, attended by industry leaders, state peak bodies, and passionate advocates committed to strengthening Australia’s outdoor sector.
The new strategy was shaped by critical discussions with members, including the advocacy session held at the National Outdoor Education Conference in Victoria last December, and recent defines OCA’s vision: A healthier and happier nation through being active in the outdoors. It positions the Council as a connector and empowerer of the Australian outdoor industry, ensuring sustainable growth and resilience for decades to come.
Strong Foundations: Shared Beliefs and Core Objectives
At the heart of the plan are five clear belief statements that resonate with everyone who values nature and outdoor experiences:
Responsible access drives wellbeing and healthy communities.
Knowledge and information fuel industry growth.
A culture of responsibility, safety, and risk awareness underpins sustainability.
A united national voice strengthens advocacy and influence.
Outdoor experiences should be accessible to all Australians.
These beliefs translate into six strategic objectives, ranging from promoting responsible access and centralising vital industry knowledge, to unifying the industry voice and championing equity, inclusion, and representation. Members at the Forum welcomed the plan’s commitment to integrating First Nations perspectives, working with people with lived experience of disability, and supporting diversity in outdoor participation.
Building on Momentum: Actions Already Underway
The Member Forum highlighted progress already underway in key areas outlined in the strategy:
The national Outdoor Census and Data Warehouse projects are moving forward with strong support from Jobs and Skills Councils and member volunteers.
The Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS) review continues, with broad sector engagement to ensure up-to-date safety and responsible guidelines that reflect real industry needs.
Collaborative advocacy remains front and centre, with ongoing efforts to bring members directly to federal policy discussions and strengthen ties with leaders.
Attendees also discussed pressing opportunities and challenges, from ensuring adequate workforce development through initiatives like Outdoors October, in partnership with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, and to addressing evolving legislation on e-bikes and outdoor education policies across states.
A Collective Call to Action
OCA Chair, Neil Le Febvre thanked members for their ongoing commitment and reiterated the importance of working together:
“Our Strategic Plan is not just a document; it’s a shared commitment to deliver real outcomes. It sets a clear path for a stronger, more resilient outdoor industry — one that empowers people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to connect with nature and each other.”
The Strategic Plan is now live. Members and stakeholders are encouraged to read it, share it, and play their part in bringing its vision to life.
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