Pipelining in Australia is still a ‘young’ industry compared to the history of pipelining around the world, which commenced in earnest in the late 1960s. Projects like the Roma – Brisbane Pipeline and the Moomba – Sydney Pipeline set down major elements of Australia’s pipeline infrastructure that remain vital links in Australia’s pipeline network.

It was in these early stages that Australia, having limited pipeline experience, benefited greatly from a number of international companies as well as individuals from around the world who helped bring knowledge to Australia’s shores.

They came from the United States, Italy and many other European countries as well as from South America. They were welders, engineers, construction managers and all manner of other disciplines. They shared their knowledge and, together with local colleagues and crews, found solutions to Australia’s unique problems.

In the 1990s, Australia’s industry had developed to the extent that Australians began to head overseas to share their experiences with countries looking to start in the world of pipelining, and countries with a long pipelining history themselves.

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It is therefore extremely fitting that pipeline industry members from around the world are gathering in Sydney to continue to work together as a global community to find solutions to the problems that face our industry and the community, to work together to make our industry safer and more dynamic and, importantly, to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.

The role of IPLOCA has never been more relevant than it is today. It highlights the role that contractors have had, and will continue to have, in driving innovation in the industry and in finding new and better ways to get the job done, which is at the end of the day what it is all about for contractors.

The IPLOCA Convention also provides a vital link between contractors and those who supply products and services to them. It is often the case that the dialogue between contractors and equipment and service providers can create technological advances that benefit the entire industry.

The IPLOCA Convention will also host a meeting of the World Federation of Pipe Line Industry Associations. This relatively recent development brings together both peak national and international associations that are concerned with pipelines. It provides a link between different regions and levels of the industry. IPLOCA is proud to be both a member and play a major role as the administrative headquarters of the World Federation.

The IPLOCA Board of Directors has put a great deal of effort into articulating IPLOCA’s key objectives for the future. These include fostering closer dialogue with the customers of our members on issues including more equitable risk sharing, minimum safety standards, R&D and how we can all better communicate. Both myself and the Board look forward to working with you at the Convention to develop those objectives.

So, to all delegates who are reading this as they attend the IPLOCA Convention, my wife Donna and I look forward to being your hosts and to meeting you during the Convention. The Geneva office and Tour Hosts have been working hard to make this a very special convention and I trust you will both benefit from and enjoy your time in Sydney.