Outdoors QueenslandStrengthening Connections

Engaging Queenslanders in outdoor places

byThe Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing

A unique “marriage”

• The “Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing” (NPSR)• Unique “One Department” portfolio – combining natural places

with sport and recreation opportunities• Potential to collaborate and realise the synergies between our

protected areas and recreation participation

Vision

“Queenslanders enriched and connected through healthy parks and

active lifestyles”

How are we using data to inform decision making?

One example: Active Queensland Survey (Queensland sport, exercise and recreation survey adults 2015)

Active Queensland Survey: Results 2015

Active Queensland Survey: Results 2015

National parks were the top location for:• Bush walking• Mountain biking• Motorsports (trailbiking)• Orienteering / Rogaining

National parks were the second location for:• Rockclimbing (indoor facilities was the top location)

Active Queensland Survey: Preliminary results 2016

So what does this mean for outdoor recreation???• More people are wanting to recreate when they want and in an

unstructured setting• More people are using outdoor environments as their

“playgrounds”.• Walkers, runners and cyclists are key outdoor space users.• Trends indicate that people are seeking to connect with nature

as part of the “active recreation experience”.

• The definition of “Nature Based Recreation” has shifted.

• No longer just “walking, bird watching and camping”.

• People are seeking adventure and excitement through fitness pursuits in the outdoors.

• Our most natural urban environments have a crucial role to play in Queenslanders physical and spiritual wellbeing.

Don’t let that spook you though………..

What have we done to sustainably respond to these shifting expectations?

Significant partnership investments in Mountain Biking trails and events….Winner of QORF “Government Achievements Award”

Atherton Mountain Bike Park - Tablelands

Bunyaville Conservation Park

• Trail care working groups• Outdoor Recreation Forums / Alliances• Major sponsorships and events• Outdoor rec and horse riding strategic frameworks• Relaxed our permit conditions – group activities• Social media strategy

UCI World Cup – Smithfield Conservation Park - Cairns

South Molle Island Trails

FIT and Commercial access

What initiatives are we planning to further respond to these shifting expectations?Gateway Centres

Walkabout Creek – D’Aguilar National Park

Mountain bike skills course

Walkabout Creek – D’Aguilar National Park

Currimundi and Tallebudgera Active Recreation Centres

Active Recreation Centres

Currimundi and Tallebudgera Active Recreation Centres

Targeted Programs

“Join the Movement” / “Get out, Get Active”

“Start Playing…Stay Playing”

A new approach to how we market the outdoors….• Facebook – 50,000 likes• New user friendly on-line booking system• Branding Initiative – “Journey Adventurously”

• Daisy Hill Koala Bushlands Future Directions• Mt Archer Activation Masterplan• Recreation Trails for Tourism

Emerging initiatives

Priority investment locations

Daisy Hill Directions

What does the future hold?Park Match: The National

Parks Dating App

Thank you