Did you notice our 40th anniversary logo? Let’s use it here one last time!

Once again the nation’s Pipeliners showed their commitment to the industry – and to having a great time – by attending the Annual Convention in record numbers and with real enthusiasm for the Exhibition, the business sessions, the dinners and, of course, the fancy dress night. Thank you to all the members and their guests who attended and helped to make the 2008 event such a great Convention. Thanks very much also to Steve Dobbie and Jacqui Yates for the tremendous amount of effort that goes into planning the event over many months. A special thanks goes to Gisela Thaurer, Bob Gration and the delightful Helen Gration for their support, and the ever-reliable Conference Co-ordinators team for their professionalism and great work.

Since the Convention, APIA has received 21 new membership applications – TWENTY-ONE! Clearly the word is spreading!

Two new Board members were elected at the Annual General Meeting. On behalf of all the Secretariat staff, I welcome Richard Robinson and Kevin Lester and congratulate Mick McCormack on his re-election. We also congratulate Peter Cox on his appointment as Vice President and Graeme Fitzgerald on his appointment as Treasurer. We bid a sad farewell to Marie Malaxos and thank her for her enthusiastic contribution to the Board and to APIA in general.

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When it comes to Board members, we think of commitment to the industry and to APIA when we realise that 2009 will be the first time in 13 years that APIA has not had Andy Lukas on the Board, either as a Board member or as President. Andy, APIA is indebted to you for your commitment and contribution to the industry and the Association. Thank you.

Because of the support of current and past members, APIA is in great shape to meet the challenges of 2009. Of course there is the looming financial crisis, which may have a major impact on the nation’s economy. It would appear that our industry is in a strong position to weather a downturn, but we will certainly be monitoring the situation and doing what we can to assist members. The economic regulatory challenges will continue with the implementation of the National Gas Law and Bulletin Board and the introduction of the Short Term Trading Market. And the climate change challenges will also continue, with the Rudd Government determined to introduce a Renewable Energy Target, which is likely to discourage the use of natural gas, and the emissions trading scheme, which may or may not encourage the use of natural gas, depending on the details of its design. APIA will also be participating in the development of plans for carbon capture, transportation and storage of waste CO2 from coal-fired power generation and we are already in consultation with the Government on these challenges.

The contractors’ driver safety day in Victoria was successful last year and another two are planned for Queensland and Western Australia in 2009. Also, for all those working out in the field, we haven’t forgotten you so let’s think of ways that APIA can reach out and provide something for the teams on construction sites.

And, last but not least, it is through the enthusiasm of the young people of the industry that the Young Pipeliners Forum has now been formalised as part of APIA, providing new sponsorship opportunities for member organisations while retaining the spontaneous nature of the YPF group’s events.

We are looking forward to another busy year.