Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) and the Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a new national partnership to strengthen connections between Australia’s outdoor industry and the parks, leisure, recreation and open space sectors.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating healthier, more active and connected communities by enabling more Australians to access and enjoy outdoor spaces, programs and experiences.
Through the MOU, PLA and OCA will collaborate across advocacy and policy development, professional learning, workforce capability, industry practice, infrastructure planning and design, sustainability and community wellbeing. The partnership will also create opportunities to share research, resources, insights and good practice, while identifying areas for joint advocacy on issues affecting outdoor recreation, public space access and participation.
The two organisations recognise that meaningful outdoor participation relies on accessible, well-planned and well-managed parks, public spaces and recreation infrastructure, supported by a skilled and sustainable workforce. By bringing together their knowledge, networks and influence, PLA and OCA aim to strengthen sector capability and help translate shared evidence into better outcomes for communities across Australia.
The MOU will also support greater collaboration between the two sectors through knowledge sharing, professional and workforce development, promotion of relevant events and stronger connections across their respective networks.
We look forward to working with OCA to build on this partnership and support more Australians to safely access, participate in and enjoy the outdoors.