The Gold Coast is a timely destination given the progress of the LNG developments within Queensland.
I look forward to the opening address of the Hon. Dr Anthony Lynham MP, Minister for State Development and Natural Resources and Mines in Queensland.
At the time of writing, registrations, exhibition sales and sponsorship were on track to exceed expectations and deliver an outstanding Convention.
Being elected President of APGA has been the highlight of my career, and over the last two years I have enjoyed my role as President immensely.
Being back on the Gold Coast for the Convention will also recall some great memories I have of earlier conventions and in fact one of my first conventions.
In my position of Managing Director of Fyfe, I have become involved in many industry associations.
Over a long period of time and before I became involved in the APGA Board, I had formed the view that no other association provides such good value to its members.
This is largely due to the outstanding work of our secretariat team in Canberra.
In particular, I would like to compliment Cheryl Cartwright and Steve Dobbie on developing and delivering a winning formula that provides great value for our members and ensures our continued success.
During this period the Association has continued to develop its services to the members of the pipeline and gas industries.
At June 2015 the Association membership was 522.
The membership for the current financial year is lower, but tracking well given the current challenges facing the industry.
The most notable change for the association in my time has been the increased influence APGA has in the advocacy and policy arenas.
However, over the last year we have seen the impact of the change of the name of the Association to include gas but also retain our broad heritage in supporting the pipeline industry.
No doubt we are all feeling the effect of the change in project work levels.
The fall in the price of oil has seen a dramatic effect on the industry.
This combined with projects coming off development phase, has contributed to the reduction in activity.
Many businesses have made changes to reduce costs.
Some businesses unfortunately have not been able to make it through these times.
Overall the industry is adjusting to this new environment.
We are all reducing costs, being more efficient and looking to improve the value we provide.
I am sure we will all be better organisations as a result these changes.
Most predictions are that low oil prices will be with us for a while, so we all need to work within these economics.
I would like to thank my APGA Board colleagues, Cheryl Cartwright, Steve Dobbie and the rest of the Secretariat.
We have an outstanding Association that supports our industry and its members.
I look forward to continuing to work with the team in the future.
I hope you have a very successful Convention and look forward to catching up with you.