There have been many challenges and changes over the years and these have been met head-on by the pipeline industry.
Successfully meeting these challenges means anticipating the need for change, rather than being dragged into taking action.
Those who have been around from the old Australian Pipeline Contractors Association days well understand the benefits of the industry anticipating change.
They took a proactive approach when the Australian Gas Association would back. All the gas sectors went their own way – upstream with the producers (mainly oil back then) and downstream with the retailers and distribution sectors (mainly electricity).
The transmission pipeline owners saw the need and also saw an opportunity to increase the influence of the pipeline contractors’ association – so increased their participation and we became APIA.
The contractors have not lost influence; the service providers and suppliers are actively involved.
But we also now have genuine energy policy credentials and a strong focus on gas policy.
While this focus has been evident to us and others involved in the gas industry, it is not readily acknowledged – yet – by those outside the industry.
And it’s time to change that perception!
Not every member is involved in or relies on the gas industry; however, most members need Australia to have a strong domestic gas sector.
In fact, our industry is far more reliant on a strong gas sector than any other sector of the gas industry.
This is because the upstream industry is “strongly focussed on exports; the downstream industry provides electricity, and doesn’t rely on providing gas.
The transmission sector is enthusiastic about strong gas exports as well as a strong domestic gas sector.
We want to ensure that current challenges are met by increasing gas supply and this requires policies that provide the right environment to ensure there is sufficient gas to the domestic market.
We are acknowledged as being in a unique position in the industry because we are enthusiastic about both exports and the domestic market.
Still, even with our focus on gas and gas supply, I’m sure members will agree that we have continued our faithful commitment to the pipeline industry.
But there is more to do. In order to increase the influence of our association in the national debate about gas we must be recognised by those outside the industry as authoritative and able to take a stand as supporters of a the Australian gas industry.
With the challenges facing the gas industry today, we need an identity that reflects our strengths.
The APIA Board has discussed this in detail and has agreed that it’s time.
It’s time for this industry to step up to the challenge – if we don’t, who will do it for us? If we don’t and the overall Australian gas industry winds back, what will happen to our pipeliners?
Of course, some will remain, but a healthy pipeline industry surely needs a healthy gas industry.
The change will make this association stronger and strengthen our stand for the gas and pipeline industries.
The activities and services will continue – 25 or so functions a year, a fabulous annual Convention and Exhibition, codes of practice and guidelines, health and safety, environment, research, operations and, of course, the development of our younger pipeliners through the YPF.
Our core business is pipelines – our need is a strong gas industry.
And the gas industry needs us.
The pipeline industry needs to take a stand – as the Australian Gas and Pipeline Association.
The Board and the secretariat seek your support to take this next step.
In coming months, we will be asking you to accept an update to the APIA Constitution to make the name change happen.