Held from 11 to 14 October at the Perth Convention Centre, the 2008 Convention hit new heights with its largest exhibition to date enabling delegates to see the latest equipment, services and technology on offer.
The theme for 2008 was “˜Australia’s sustainable future: in the pipeline!’, which delegates found pertinent to the current industry challenges and Australia’s policy climate. In addition, the technical program covered developments from all points of the industry, from commercial through technical to construction and operations, and much more.
The Convention also provides an excellent forum for recognising achievements of members throughout the industry including those who were awarded Honorary Life Membership, Outstanding Achievement and Young Achiever Awards, as well as the Safety Award.
Addressing the industry’s issues
The business sessions were well received with an opening address from the Western Australian Minister for Energy Peter Collier, outlining the exciting pipeline projects that the newly elected Government envisages for the state, including the South West Pipeline to run from Bunbury to Albany. APIA was very grateful that Mr Collier could speak at the Convention so soon after the Western Australian election; he had to take time out of a Cabinet meeting to attend! He demonstrated a solid understanding of the key issues facing the industry, just a month after coming to office.
An important keynote address was provided by the Executive Director of the Institute of Public Affairs, John Roskam, who spoke about the economic outlook for the gas transmission industry and the nation as a whole. Mr Roskam apologised for not providing a PowerPoint presentation with his speech; he had prepared three, but the current economic climate was changing so rapidly that it was impossible to provide the most up-to-date information in a PowerPoint! Mr Roskam’s address provided an interesting point of view, leading in to the technical and policy-based presentations of the business sessions.
Delegates also heard from a number of speakers on the environment, including outlining new opportunities for natural gas pipelines. In particular, speakers assessed the value of pipeline infrastructure in an increasingly carbon-constrained environment, noting the potential effect of carbon credits and environmental offsets on the industry and the opportunities for the development of pipelines to transport carbon waste, as well as the expected increase in the use of gas as a cleaner burning fuel in the medium term as the nation addresses the need to reduce carbon emissions.
The Monday afternoon business sessions provided practical information on new developments in design and construction, as well as technology updates – ranging from the progress of MIAB welding of pipelines, through to MFL inspection technology and the challenges associated with line pipe manufacture.
Delegates at the Tuesday morning session heard a keynote address by Steve Edwell, the Australian Energy Regulator, who explained national energy regulation, while Sandra Dureau from APA Group outlined the challenges the new gas regulatory regime brings to the gas transmission industry.
The second business day also covered pipeline operations and safety issues, as well as major project updates, with the Pipeline Operators Group again providing an interesting session.
The business sessions were a great success and thanks go to the speakers for all the time and effort that they put into preparation of their presentations.
Also, the session chairs did a great job in making sure that everything ran smoothly and on time, with thanks going to: Cheryl Cartwright, Ashley Kellett, Leigh Fletcher, Mark Twycross, Murray Durham, Mark Walker, Peter Cox and Marie Malaxos.
Exhibiting: pipeline style
While the business sessions were underway, the Trade Exhibition hosted many stands showcasing a variety of companies and products that service the industry. The 75 stands (a record for APIA) in the Exhibition is testament to the success of previous years’ exhibitions and augurs well for exhibitions to come.
The Exhibition was constantly busy with people milling around the stands, inspecting new products and making connections with new and experienced people from the industry.
Also, for the first time, the younger pipeliners (the Young Pipeliners Forum) had a “˜desk’ where both young and experienced attendees met to discuss industry issues and compare notes about the various exhibitors’ displays.
The AGM
The APIA Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday morning, with an important task of electing Board members. Two new members, Richard Robinson of Oil Search and Kevin Lester of AJ Lucas Group, were elected to the APIA Board, replacing two retiring Board members: Marie Malaxos (formerly) of Arc Energy and Andy Lukas of AJ Lucas Group. APA Group Managing Director Mick McCormack was re-elected to the Board.
Party like its 1968
Pipeliners certainly know how to celebrate, and the social program of the 40th Annual Convention was an excellent opportunity for delegates to network and generally relax and enjoy themselves.
Delegates were treated to a family day trip to Fremantle, catching a ferry and enjoying stunning views from the Swan River on the way to the quaint suburb. Once in Fremantle, participants could visit the Fremantle market, Gaol or take a ride on the scenic tram.
The Welcome Dinner on Saturday night and Opening Dinner on Sunday night proved huge hits, not to mention the ever popular Fancy Dress Party held
on the Monday night. With the theme being “˜What were you doing in 1968?’, Pipeliners got their groove on, dressing up as hippies, the Beatles, Vietnam Veterans and school kids, while dancing the night away to BABBA.
The Annual Dinner capped off a stunning Convention, with entertainment ranging from a fast-paced and energetic violin trio, the String Angels, to the Beatles cover band, the Beatnix.
Looking forward to next year
The 2008 Convention proved thoroughly enjoyable, with Pipeliners looking forward to the 41st Annual APIA Convention to be held at the Cairns Convention Centre from 17-20 October 2009.
The call for papers was circulated in mid-December 2008 and members should consider submitting an expression of interest to present at one of the business sessions.
The theme for the 2009 APIA Convention will be “˜Pipelines – a dynamic approach to Australia’s energy needs,’ and, as always, the APIA members will hope the Convention will be one of the main highlights of the year!
40 years to celebrate
It was a fitting Convention to celebrate the growth and achievements of APIA over its 40 years. The Association has come a long way from being a contractor-based organisation under the name, Australian Pipe Line Contractors Association, until in 1976 it transformed into an all-encompassing pipeline industry association that embraced contractors, operators, owners, service providers and any companies and individuals associated with the industry.
In 1999, the Association made the decision to establish a full-time Secretariat in Canberra. A couple of years later APIA corporatised and in January 2004 officially moved from being an incorporated association registered in the ACT to a company limited by guarantee to meet the changing roles required of modern associations.
APIA has introduced new initiatives over the last 40 years, including the establishment of a Construction Safety committee in 1996, introduction of Vehicle Safety Guidelines in 1998 and an Environmental Code of Practice in the same year, as well as establishing a Young Pipeliners Forum in 2006 to give the younger people in the industry a voice.
Coming into its 40th year in 2008, APIA was travelling at full steam ahead, tackling the many and diverse issues that confront the industry and its members. A commemorative 40th Anniversary of APIA book and DVD were launched at the Conference, highlighting how the Association has worked for the industry over the years.