While we might hope this great economic activity will continue, we must also recognise that life – all life: work, business, social, family – progresses in cycles. We must be ready as an industry, and as an industry association, for future challenges.
We’ve seen the mining and exploration industry face a slowing international demand and slightly slowing profits, with projects delayed or dropped. This should not see us cower in fear over what might happen to us. We must look to what it is that makes us strong and prepare for slower times – just in case! Who knows, the current boom might even grow further, creating a new set of challenges!
Whatever happens, APIA will be totally focused on making sure we re-invest all funds into providing services for the members. This is what makes an industry association very different from a profit-focused enterprise. Of course there’s nothing wrong with making a profit – let’s face it, that’s what APIA members do well – but APIA’s sole reason for existing is to provide a service to those members and, therefore, the industry as a whole.
A couple of examples of funds being invested for the benefit of the members and the industry are the Young Pipeliners Forum (YPF) and the Pipeline Engineer Training Program. In the early days of the YPF, it was funded totally by APIA. It was a slow start, with small numbers at events and with the young,
state-based committees learning how to manage and arrange the events. As it began to develop, the members came forward and offered to provide sponsorship – they could see how these young people are a benefit to the industry. We are pleased to see that the costs of almost every YPF event are now covered by members’ sponsorship, with APIA stepping in only from time-to-time. One of the most inspiring aspects of the YPF is its ability to come up with new ideas, from educational through to networking. On the fun side, the winery tours on a weekend are a hit. On the educational/mentoring side, I am pleased to report that the WA YPF has established a semi-formal program, linked with the Young Energy Professionals, to provide younger mentors for engineering students.
Of course the Pipeline Engineer Training Program has been a major APIA investment for members, with many members also offering their time in its development. We now have detailed competencies on the APIA website, under the APIA Competency Document, with information about where skills are being taught. There is also the very valuable Guide to AS2885, which is designed to encourage participants to ensure they fully understand the industry’s Standard. It explains the “˜why’ of the Standard – the actual Standard itself explains the “˜how’.
Public and political discussions regarding the gas industry are heating up, with APIA also contributing in a major way. APIA expects there will be a price hike for domestic gas and a danger of losing some gas-using industries for good. We have recommended that increasing supply, via increased access to the gas resources, is an appropriate way to reduce prices. We also believe that the Government should assess gas-using industries. Those that would not survive a price hike should, perhaps, be assisted through the difficult time to ensure that, when prices settle down, there is still strong demand for gas in the domestic market when prices come down.
Another important activity for 2013 will be the review of the Code of Environmental Practice (CoEP). CNC Project Management is managing this review, with back-up from some of the members of the Health Safety and Environment Committee. Our CoEP is well respected and, with input from regulators, we hope that it will become a benchmark, rather than a starting point, for regulatory requirements on projects.
And, finally, on behalf of the Secretariat I would like to thank Mick McCormack and Richard Robinson who have stepped down from the APIA Board. We have enjoyed working with both Mick and Richard and expect to (and look forward to) remain in touch. We also look forward to working with our new Board members, Courtney Oliver and Grant Chugg.
And of course, we look forward to seeing the APIA members at the various functions around Australia during 2013.