Member Area Resources - Risk Management
The Outdoor Leader Online

The Outdoor Leader Online is based on the content of the Bushwalking and Ski Touring Leadership Manual, last published by the Bushwalking and Mountaincraft Training Advisory Board (BMTAB) in Victoria in 2000. The content of this Manual was the basis of the excellent outdoor leadership training courses run by the BMTAB. Following the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009, a Victorian Outdoor Industry Taskforce attracted funding to improve risk management and community confidence in outdoor activity providers. The project to make this resource available online was a component of that endeavour.

Outdoor adventure activities are inherently dangerous, and undertaking them beyond one’s capabilities or without proper training, experience, skill, regard to safety, and suitable equipment can result in serious injury or death. This resource aims to provide generally accepted information which can assist people to undertake outdoor activities safely and with enhanced enjoyment. ‘Best practice’ changes from time to time, as does legislation governing outdoor activities. The matters covered in this publication are those which leaders should take into account and on which, if necessary, they should seek professional advice before leading groups.