Outdoor Industry Connect & Share Forums
Outdoor Industry Connect & Share Forums
The Future of Outdoors NSW & ACT: 2025-2028 Strategic Plan Unveiled
The outdoor industry stands at a critical crossroads, captured perfectly in the metaphor shared during this episode: "We are year nine students... struggling with what we're going to do in the future." This moment of adolescent uncertainty hides tremendous potential, as our sector evolves from its foundational years toward maturity.
Diving deep into the newly launched Outdoors NSW & ACT Strategic Plan for 2025-2028, this episode unveils the vision, mission, and strategic priorities that will guide the organisation through its next growth phase. From advocacy and capacity building to industry sustainability, the plan addresses pressing challenges including workforce shortages, training gaps, and access issues while embracing opportunities in adventure tourism, environmental connection, and mental health benefits.
Most compelling is the discussion around constitutional reform and the question of national versus jurisdictional focus. With members expressing concerns about resource allocation and the changing landscape of industry representation, the conversation highlights how access to outdoor spaces remains a fundamental concern across the country. As one participant noted, "Access needs to be really upfront... as population pressures grow, there's going to be natural conflict between what we want to achieve."
The episode also spotlights practical initiatives like the Cultural Awareness Program, Department of Defence tender opportunities, and a new industry-wide awards program designed to celebrate excellence and provide benchmarking for continuous improvement. These concrete steps demonstrate how strategic vision translates into tangible benefits for members.
Ready to shape the future of the outdoor industry in NSW and ACT? Download the strategic plan at outdoorsnswact.org/governance, share your feedback on constitutional objects, and join us at the upcoming Summit in Canberra to continue these crucial conversations.
To stay connected to Outdoors NSW & ACT, Subscribe to our podcasts, or our YouTube Channel
Our members get access to a whole range of additional information and support - you can join here and start receiving the benefits today.