Overview

The Australian Pipeline Industry Association Ltd (APIA) is the peak national body representing the interests of Australia’s high-pressure transmission pipeline sector. The Association was first established in 1968 and began primarily as an association representing Contractor interests. During the mid-1970s, however, it became apparent to many within the rapidly expanding and changing pipeline industry that a structure bringing together and representing all sectors of the industry would be more beneficial to industry participants and the basis of the present-day APIA was created. The Association has now grown to a membership base of more than 400 members including contractors, owners, operators, advisers and engineering companies and suppliers of pipeline products and services. APIA’s current membership is predominantly involved in the high-pressure transmission of oil and gas, however, the Association welcomes membership of companies and individuals involved in the transmission via pipeline of other products, including water.

For most of its history, APIA was managed through a part-time secretariat, however, this changed in January 1999 when the organisation moved to Canberra, employing a full-time Chief Executive and administrative team comprising a Business Manager, Membership Officer and Functions/Administration Officer plus a part-time Research and Technical Policy Manager and an Accounts Administrator.

Over this time, APIA and its members have successfully managed tremendous growth in the length of Australia’s transmission pipeline system which has more than trebled from 9,000 km in 1989, to over 17,000 km in 2001, to almost
29,000 km today.

Today, APIA’s operations cover many areas. The APIA website, particularly the members-only section, is a vital tool for members, providing access to specialist industry information. APIA manages and promotes an annual Convention and Trade Exhibition as well as a comprehensive program of seminars, luncheons and dinners. APIA also provides information on, and promotes the interests of, the pipeline industry through public presentations, newspaper feature articles, media releases and editorial comment in The Australian Pipeliner and other publications as well as a regular Chief Executive’s Brief to members.

An important role for APIA has been its industry research programs and the Association has strong working relationships with leading institutions. As part of this research focus, APIA has been a leading proponent in the development of the industry-accepted technical standard, AS2885.

Mission

Providing services to our members and ensuring the broader community, including government and other industries, recognise and understand the benefits that the dynamic, market-driven Australian pipeline industry provides to the national economy and regional development.

Key Objectives

• Promote high-pressure pipelines as a safe and reliable mode of transport and improve general awareness of the benefits of pipelines.
• Represent the pipeline industry to government, the public and other organisations and enhance links with other industry and environmental bodies.
• Build and enhance relationships across the range of member groups within APIA and facilitate the contribution of all sectors to issues which impact on the industry’s common interests.
• Provide members with information, services and networking opportunities. These networking opportunities are a platform for members to demonstrate and market expertise, ideas and innovations, products, services and knowledge.
• Improve the regulatory environment in which pipeline projects are developed, constructed and operated in Australia.
• Develop and support policies, standards and practices in the pipeline industry, including cultural and community heritage, land access, social impact, safety and environment.
• Facilitate research relevant to the pipeline industry.
• Monitor emerging trends in the industry and develop responses as appropriate.
• Promote training and encourage knowledge retention within the pipeline industry.

Strategic Plan

APIA’s Strategic Plan is available through the secretariat or via download from APIA’s website, www.apia.net.au

Your organisation can support the industry

Your organisation can assist in providing support and making a valuable contribution toward issues faced by the Australian pipeline industry by becoming an active member of APIA. APIA is a non-profit organisation and all support is committed to ensuring the fulfilment of the Association’s missions and goals.

Membership is available in different categories. The most suitable membership category will depend upon your organisation and can be discussed further with staff at APIA.

Organisational Structure

The management of APIA’s affairs is vested in a Board of Directors, comprising nine to twelve Directors elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. Membership of the Board is open to appointed representatives of full members of APIA.

The establishment and maintenance of a streamlined committee structure enables APIA to continue to progress its core priorities. These committees and working groups focus on the following areas:

Research & Standards, Safety, Construction, Operations (Pipeline Operators Group), Government and Regulatory Affairs, Training, Environment, Young Pipeliners’ Forum and the WA Chapter which caters for those members who, by reason of distance, find it difficult to participate in many of the activities taking place in the eastern states.

Activities and Communications

• Annual Convention and Exhibition
• Luncheons and Dinners
• Website at www.apia.net.au including “Members Only” access
• Seminars
• The Australian Pipeliner - Official Journal of the Association, published quarterly
• APIA Directory/Year Book
• Regular Chief Executive’s Brief to members
• Representation to government on issues affecting the pipeline industry
• Publishing of technical documents and development of Australian Standards
• Relationships with other Australian and International sister associations
• A Pipeline Research Program, with access to research results by contributors to the program

Membership

There are a number of categories of membership. Details can be found, along with a membership application form, on the APIA website.