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Petition: Stop budget cuts to Outdoor Rec TAFE 2-Oct-2012 At 12:07:14 PM Penny

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I think you might be wrong Climboholic - programs like outdoor recreation will save money in the long term, but myopic annual budgets and short election cycles don't allow for that.
I would much rather spend money now to train people to run outdoor ed programs in schools, than deal with the fallout from bored teenagers with nothing to occupy themselves or inspire them, and no experience of social cohesion to make them feel they owed society anything in return. Not saying this is the case with all teenagers, but it would could certainly make a difference for some lost souls.
I also think it makes sense to support an industry that instils an appreciation for the natural environment in people of all ages, especially those who are likely to be writing environmental policies in the future (the environment also being a long term economic issue).
And it gives people jobs.
Its not a first world luxury, its a sustainable industry with many additional social advantages, and funding it is a pretty econimically sound decision.