The popularity of APIA events continues to grow and members will see the outcome of this during 2010. For the second time, we will have a dinner in Darwin and, after prompting at Sydney’s Christmas drinks with the Board, we will also introduce a Sydney lunch, probably in June. Also, with the Young Pipeliners Forum becoming a significant APIA group, we plan to have mentoring events in the APIA calendar for 2010.

The Pipeline Operators Group (POG) has decided that its April meeting this year will be held in Auckland, New Zealand. POG has two members based in New Zealand and has shared the ‘hosting’ duties with the members in the various Australian states. The New Zealand contingent argued it was their turn! The topics for the seminar and the speaker for the dinner will be announced soon.

Another development during 2009 was the increasing activity of the Owners’ Committee. We held a very successful Owners’ Forum in Canberra in November and, at the end of the (very long) day, it was suggested that the sharing of knowledge at this level was most beneficial. I am delighted that the Owners’ Committee is keen to again meet on a semi-regular basis to discuss issues and policies that impact on the industry. In the meantime, the Regulatory and Economic Policy Committee’s work is focusing on the various attempts by government and industry bodies to impose new requirements on our industry.

One thing I’ve been considering, and pointed to in my presentation at the 2009 APIA Convention, is the fall in numbers of employee members of APIA. While the broader membership has increased, the changes in the industry – takeovers, busyness, information sharing in larger companies – have seen a fall in employee members. Expect to see a campaign this year to raise awareness amongst the people who work for our larger members. Employee members of APIA receive benefits such as member rates for functions, personal copies of The Australian Pipeliner and The Directory, as well as a personal copy of eNews.

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As we start 2010, and as mentioned by our President, the Energy Pipelines Co-operative Research Centre will be getting underway and the pipeline engineer training program will continue to be developed.

Looking back for a moment, I would like to thank all who have commented on the 2009 Convention and Exhibition. We were very pleased to have activist Noel Pearson return as the keynote speaker at the start of the business sessions. His speech was heartfelt, sensible and relevant to all Australians. It kept us talking for quite a few days. And the Parliamentary Secretary for Energy, Michael Choi, who provided the opening address and also opened the Exhibition, is clearly a politician who has a genuine interest in the energy pipeline industry. The keynote speaker on the second business day, Alan Murray from the Canadian Energy Board, managed to turn the usually dry topic of pipeline regulation into a very entertaining presentation that educated us all. Thanks to all the speakers. Clearly, much thought and preparation went into papers and the feedback has been very positive. And, of course, thanks also to the sponsors and exhibitors.

Members should also note the earlier date for the 2010 Annual Convention and Exhibition. There has been great enthusiasm to take the Convention back to Darwin, which we’ll do this year – but it means we need to hold the event in September to avoid the worst of the ‘big wet’. So, make a note in your diary. The 2010 Convention will be held from 11 – 14 September and promises to be another fun-filled and information-filled event.

We at the secretariat are looking forward to another active year and we encourage each and every member to be in touch with us, whether it’s to ask questions, make suggestions or just have a chat. We are here to serve the members – and that’s what we enjoy doing.

Cheryl Cartwright Chief Executive