It’s been a good year for the industry and for APIA. We have held a number of very successful functions and introduced extra seminars this year, specifically introductory presentations on the release of AS2885.1 revision. We have had some impact on the political scene and have helped to force changes to proposed legislation (the new National Gas Law). The media has increased its interest in APIA, and therefore the industry, and we are having our say on major issues.

Over the past couple of years we have restructured the membership categories to better reflect the different sizes and operations of our members. While full membership remains with the Sponsoring, Lead and Corporate members, our associate members – Individual and Employee – remain highly valued. The diversity of our membership is one of APIA’s continuing strengths.

The Sponsoring Membership changes were implemented this financial year. This category had always been intended to represent the owner members of APIA. But its structure had not encouraged smaller owner members to join at that level. Sponsoring Membership was adjusted to better reflect the amount of transmission pipelines owned and I am very pleased that three of our smaller owner members – who are very significant smaller owner members – have chosen to upgrade their membership. Enertrade, Envestra and SEA Gas have taken Sponsoring Membership of APIA, agreeing to participate in the Owners Committee and therefore helping to highlight the benefits of APIA membership.

We are also grateful to our Corporate members who have supported the change to three levels of Corporate Membership. This change was implemented successfully and all concerns and queries were personally addressed by the secretariat.

If you thought I’d leave it there, you’re mistaken! It’s now time to focus on Lead Membership. This is a very important category of membership for the large, sometimes international, companies that see real benefits from membership of APIA and who believe in the future of this industry. I congratulate the current Lead Members: Agility Asset Management, AJ Lucas Group, BP Exploration, Bredero Shaw, Caltex, Esso, Leightons, McConnell-Dowell, OneSteel, Nacap, Orrcon and Solar Turbines on their decision to demonstrate their strong support for APIA. These companies have shown commitment to this industry. Nevertheless, we still have some very large companies that are not Lead Members and we believe these companies should think about stepping up. During the next twelve months I will approach them to highlight the benefits of Lead Membership. Our members should also encourage larger companies to demonstrate their support at the appropriate level of membership.

Another major change at the secretariat is the appointment of our new policy adviser, Danielle Kellahan. Already APIA has been invited to write comment pieces for major newspapers on a range of issues, including economic regulation and the benefits of using natural gas for energy generation in a carbon-constrained future. But in order to take the debate further and to all sides of politics – further raising the profile of this terrific industry – we need appropriately researched papers to persuade politicians to see the value of our industry. Danielle will also assist the Regulatory Affairs Committee, and the YPF in the area of education and training. Danielle is a bright new personality in the secretariat. Members should feel free to contact her for a chat or provide ideas and information.

I must also thank all the APIA committees for their work over the past year. It’s always a delight to work with you. One of the outcomes generated by three committees – the YPF, the RSC and the Pipeline Operators Group – is the plan to develop an online library/database. Ted Metcalfe has been very active on this project and we are grateful for his efforts, ably assisted by Max Kimber, Geoff Callar and Jen Connor.

Once again, welcome to the Convention. I look forward to catching up with everyone for four days of business and fun.

Cheryl Cartwright

Chief Executive