The general consensus seems to be that the refurbishment of Royal Pines Resort has been successful. While the demand for exhibition space outstripped availability at the venue, the space at Royal Pines worked well for most exhibitors. Of course, this high demand for space is an excellent outcome for APIA because it means that our members and other exhibitors have found that it is a very useful opportunity to present their products to almost all of the industry in one place.

The business sessions were also well received, with a welcoming address by outgoing President Mark Harper, in which he urged APIA members to look to the future, well into the future, to help prepare for the major changes that await the nation and the industry.

The Opening Address was provided by Stirling Hinchliffe, the Parliamentary Secretary to Queensland’s Deputy Premier, who highlighted the opportunities for the industry in the sunshine state.

APIA was fortunate to have Mervyn Sambles from Fluor Corporation in the USA to provide the first Keynote Address. Mervyn was in Australia visiting Perth to promote a major report, Facing the Hard Truths about Energy, developed by the National Petroleum Council, of which he is a member. APIA was fortunate that he agreed to come to the Gold Coast to bring this major report to members’ attention.

The report provides a comprehensive view – for the next 25 years – of the availability, reliability, cost and environmental impact of the world’s oil and gas resources. While the report found that the world is not running out of energy resources, there are many challenges in the development and transportation of the world’s oil and gas reserves.

Mervyn also introduced APIA members to ‘the hump’ – the description of a graph showing the age gap in the skilled workforce in this industry and many other industries in Australia and internationally. His presentation generated much discussion throughout all APIA’s age groups.

The second Keynote Address was provided by Russell Higgins AO, who is a member of the Prime Minister’s Task Group on Emissions Trading. Russell’s informative presentation helped to demonstrate where Australia fits in a world that must reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Some of his points include: Australia contributes only 1.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and by 2050 this is expected to drop to 1 per cent; if developing countries are not included in the drive to reduce emissions, the world’s temperatures will continue to increase at an alarming rate; the high cost of reducing emissions from energy generation; and, the Australian plan for starting a global agreement for emissions reduction. This plan involves starting with a group of countries or a region first (the AP6), then expanding that group to eventually include all nations.

It is quite clear that APIA members have much to offer and many opportunities to participate in Australia’s development of infrastructure that will address the changing climate. As well as the keynote speakers’ addresses on this topic, the delegates heard presentations about opportunities in water transportation and the increasing demand for gas as a ‘transitional’ fuel, leading to further development of coal seam methane.

Wrapping up the business session on Monday was a group of papers covering process and design.

On Tuesday morning there were several high-quality papers covering technical issues, including above-ground pipelines, inspection techniques, managing stakeholders and the issue of urban encroachment. There was also a timely reminder by Brian Zeller from Dial Before You Dig of the importance of ensuring people and companies outside the pipeline industry are aware of the location of our critical gas transmission pipelines.

Barbara Jinks provided an update on international matters being handled through the International Gas Union, demonstrating the benefits to APIA of our participation in the IGU. And the project updates this year included the latest developments in the Dampier Bunbury Pipeline Stage 5A looping process, as well as the Burdekin Water Pipeline.

Once again, APIA and the members and delegates are grateful for the time and effort that the presenters put into the preparation of their presentations. All were well received and greatly appreciated.

The efforts of all the chairs of the various sessions were also appreciated, with thanks to: Ashley Kellett (now the APIA President), Mick McCormack, Peter Cox (who has agreed to be Treasurer for another year), Marie Malaxos, Bob Allison (outgoing chair of POG), Mark Twycross (now the APIA Vice-President) and Max Kimber.

At the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday morning, an election was held for the board and three new members were elected: Steve Banning from Epic Energy, Murray Durham from Apache Energy and Leigh Fletcher, who is a private consultant and chair of the Research and Standards Committee. Peter Cox (WorleyParsons) and Mark Twycross (McConnell Dowell), who stood for re-election, were also successful. The new board highlights the broad membership of the Association, with two producers, three owners, two contractors, a large engineering company and two individual consultants represented.

Also at the AGM, the outgoing President, Mark Harper, highlighted the Association’s achievements over the previous year, including the improved governance arrangements set in place for the organisation’s future, and the establishment of the Sponsoring Membership category as a truly owner-member group. He also highlighted the strong financial situation of the Association. The Chief Executive, Cheryl Cartwright, provided a brief update of the secretariat’s activities over the previous year, including successful lobbying of government on the new National Gas Law, work on an on-line library/database, planned training programs and the increased media and public awareness of the Association and the industry as a whole. She also highlighted the positive contribution that The Australian Pipeliner provides to APIA members and the pipeline industry.

The 2007 Convention was also the first time that the national committee of the Young Pipeliners Forum met face-to-face. With state-based committees operating differently and each state providing a representative on the national committee, the national group – obviously – must meet via teleconference. In a demonstration of the industry’s commitment to the next generation of pipeliners, all employers of the national committee members ensured they attended the Convention so that they could have a face-to-face meeting.

Once again, the social events were well attended, with record numbers at the Welcome Dinner on the Saturday night and the largest ever attendance at the Opening Dinner on Sunday night. A new tradition has begun for the Opening Dinner – acknowledging our long-time attendees, as well as encouraging the experienced members to introduce themselves to the next generation of pipeliners. The Sunday Outing was also a hit, with families enjoying their time at Movie World.

The fancy dress party – ‘What were you wearing the night the Titanic sank?’ – saw many beautiful women in glorious evening gowns, a few sharks, a porter or two, quite a few ‘frozen’ people and others caught in their pyjamas. The final event, the Annual Dinner, provided ‘typical’ Gold Coast entertainment, as well as a comedian who managed to demonstrate the comedic qualities of a couple of APIA’s committed members: Rob Campbell and Keith Potter.

So, don’t forget that next year’s convention is APIA’s 40th anniversary. The theme for the 2008 Annual Convention and Exhibition will be: Australia’s Sustainable Future – In the Pipeline! The event will be held at the Perth Convention Centre and APIA’s WA members and friends are gearing up to make this an unforgettable APIA event. The Call for Papers was circulated in late-December and members should consider submitting an expression of interest to present at one of the business sessions.