The tremendous time and effort that RSC Chair Leigh Fletcher put into the application would be appreciated by members; however, Leigh also met an even greater challenge: to beat the other applicants in the CRC round of announcements, he had to “get inside” the thinking of the bureaucrats and scientists who make the CRC decisions. Leigh’s leadership of the RSC – and backup from research manager Ankie Larsson and other members of the committee – provided decision makers with a genuine understanding of the challenges for this industry. Trust me, this is no small achievement! And now this industry can stand tall as the pipeline experts work with universities (Adelaide, Wollongong, Monash and ANU) to ensure the safety and efficiency and effectiveness of pipelines into the future.
Another development, but on a completely different topic, was the enhancement of the strong working relationship with the upstream energy industry’s representative body, the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA). As members will know, APIA is heard as a strong voice for the gas industry, but the broad gas industry still needs advocacy. In a joint press release during the debate on the Renewable Energy Target legislation, APPEA and APIA called on the Federal Government to consider providing encouragement for gas-fired power generation as a back-up fuel for renewable power generation.
With the reduced public role of the Australian Gas Association, there is now no obvious gas lobby group, as most industry associations that deal with gas issues also have interests in electricity. While APIA is focused broadly on transportation of energy and water, most of our members are involved in the infrastructure that transports natural gas. Also, although APPEA has a strong focus on oil, many of their members have interests in natural gas. With the public debate about reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, the important role of gas in this process must be highlighted. Therefore, the gas industry needs a strong advocate and the two best industry associations to do this are APIA and APPEA.
One of the biggest challenges in trying to raise the profile of natural gas and the gas industry and increasing the awareness of the public and politicians has been the lack of general knowledge about the product. The idea for a “˜natural gas report’ (or a “˜gas for dummies’ report!) came about when I was talking to journalists late last year who obviously did not understand natural gas and they complained that there wasn’t clear and simple information easily available. The first edition of the APIA Natural Gas Report was released in January 2009 and updated in August 2009. It’s available on our website through the “˜gas facts’ button, and it has been embraced by journalists and politicians as an excellent compilation of clear and simple facts about gas. To this end, APPEA was so impressed by the publication they have offered to participate in the next edition. APIA members should feel free to comment on the report to ensure we have useful and accurate information.
APIA has also been active in generating discussion about the pipeline industry’s needs in Queensland in relation to the development of coal seam gas and the infrastructure required to move the gas to the coast for export. A sub-committee, including members of the upstream industry, is looking at the standards required for gathering pipelines. There will be a discussion/briefing on APIA’s CSG developments while we’re in Cairns.
Ashley has mentioned the fact that the pipeline engineer training project is progressing well. The project manager, Chris Harvey, and members of the reference groups will provide a project update in Cairns on Wednesday morning, 21 October.
We have some sad news at this time. Our ever-reliable functions administrator, Jacqui Yates, is moving on – doing what all young people should do and taking time out to travel extensively overseas. I’m sure all members will wish Jacqui well in her travels. There’s no doubt the trip will be very rewarding, providing many opportunities and exciting experiences.
Finally, you might have noticed that I am listed in the business program for the Convention. It wasn’t my idea! Following my predecessor’s advice, I haven’t previously provided a presentation at the Convention because I thought that members see enough of me during the year. However, the Board has asked me to provide an update of APIA activities; as well as looking to the future. It’s a lot to squeeze into 15 to 20 minutes – but I’ll do my best.
So – enjoy the Convention! I look forward to catching up with everyone. All of us at the secretariat are grateful for the assistance and the enthusiasm of APIA’s members. This is a great industry and the members always ensure we have a fabulous Convention.
Cheryl Cartwright
Chief Executive