Most of APIA’s members are riding the Asian economic surge and the resulting demand for our commodities. Western Australia and Queensland are particularly strong, with offshore energy developments in WA, and CSG in Queensland.
The high Australian dollar and challenges from importers has caused distress with some members. Other members are benefiting from the increase in activity, even finding it difficult to attend APIA functions because they are so busy.
CSG has many challenges that could affect our members. One of the challenges could impact on the very operation of CSG production in Australia; that is the management of landholder relations, which has been so bad that, even with a renewed effort to work with communities, it is possible that CSG development could be delayed for some time. In the meantime, new unconventional gas discoveries are occurring around the world. There might now be a question about whether the new developments in Australia will be delayed because of more gas coming into world markets, reducing the price of the product.
Nevertheless our industry grows. This means APIA grows. Our membership is now well over 400. The number of APIA events has increased, with more information seminars and increased attendance at the events, and the Convention has achieved another record number of participants in 2011.
What is even more important is that our young people, through the Young Pipeliners Forum (YPF), have stepped up to the challenge of organising themselves. We now have a well-functioning forum providing information, as well as educational and networking events in each state. This is also a demonstration of the industry’s commitment to its own future, with members providing sponsorship for the YPF events as well as allowing their younger folk to take time out to attend educational presentations and site visits – and, of course, the networking events. This is why the Australian pipeline industry has been so successful in the past – its commitment to investing in the future, and sharing knowledge with the next generation. It’s why the industry will continue to be successful – the experts are being trained
right now.
This commitment by our industry was recently highlighted internationally. APIA (with assistance from the Australian Gas Industry Trust) sent four young engineers to San Francisco for the Joint Technical Meeting – the international research conference held jointly by APIA, the United States-based Pipeline Research Council International
and the European Pipeline Research Group.
At a function at the end of the conference, during an address by APIA’s Leigh Fletcher, Mr Fletcher asked for everyone there who was under 35 years of age to stand up. Six people stood. They were APIA’s four representatives and two young academics from our Energy Pipelines Co-operative Research Centre, who had joined APIA’s group. Our international colleagues are keen to emulate APIA’s encouragement of young people.
I have had many discussions with people from overseas and from other industries in Australia who want to know our secret. It’s not a secret. It’s the industry’s commitment, it’s our fabulous young people, and it’s the commitment of the learned people in the industry to sharing their knowledge. At each and every opportunity, our experienced pipeliners step up and demonstrate they are prepared to show the way. At every opportunity our experienced pipeliners – often in their own time – provide comments and presentations and, importantly, guidance and encouragement to the newer members of the industry.
With this enthusiasm from knowledgeable people, and encouragement from the Secretariat, the young people in the industry have embraced ownership of their future. Our industry is looking to the future, and our future is in good hands.