The construction industry has some great stories to tell – about the many changes in the industry over four-to-five decades -about the improvements in safety and project management, and about the many crazy events and functions over the years. In fact, at the APIA Melbourne dinner on 15 March and at the APIA Brisbane seminar on 17 May, we were reminded about some of those changes and the advances in safety introduced over those decades.
But, sometimes, we can be a little complacent about our role in APIA. With the many other very active committees that assist the Secretariat in policy development and providing services and opportunities for the industry, the construction contractors committee has not always been quite as active. This is more than compensated by the number of construction contractors who participate on other committees and on the board but perhaps the sector should begin a process that will help to ensure its future. Perhaps an agenda that includes ALL the issues constructors need to address – industrial relations; workforce engagement; skills; contracts – could be developed in time for the contractors’ meeting at the Convention in October.
These are the guys (yes, mostly guys) who got this whole thing started with the first conference in 1968 (attended by about 150 people), and the many networking opportunities, to help the industry and its organisation to address the many challenges.
I can assure the construction contractors that the APIA Secretariat is more than keen to provide support – it’s just a matter of providing an agenda, information and guidance. Think about what you need from APIA – and it will happen.
Of course that brings me to the 2012 APIA Annual Convention and Exhibition.
The Convention has been growing every year. By that, I don’t only mean growing in size; I also mean growing in complexity and quality. This year, after many years of discussion, we will trial “˜streaming’, with the Pipeline Operators Group expanded to include two extra papers and the sessions held concurrently with, firstly, the coal seam gas (CSG) session, then the session on construction industry safety.
This will give attendees more choice when they are considering which papers to attend and has allowed us to provide more papers – more information – to attendees. As part of the Convention Papers Committee, I can assure you that the business sessions will be very interesting and informative.
This year, we will also trial a conference app for your mobile phones. The app will include all the information you need at the conference. We will be interested in attendees’ views in regard to these two new developments.
It’s unfortunate that APPEA has decided to hold its CSG conference immediately prior to our Convention. It is not clear just how much this will impact on our numbers. While some members have indicated their concern, we are yet to see registration numbers.
With our Convention being held in Brisbane, this will be a tremendous opportunity to make the most of the activities in Queensland. The size, complexity and number of projects in Queensland augur well for our industry. Although, as discussed by our Chief Executive in her report, our manufacturers have not seen the benefits, the broader industry is mightily engaged in the major CSG developments and the associated infrastructure required as a result of these projects.
There is no doubt that there will be significant opportunities for our members for many years to come.