History & Profile of the APIA

Overview

The Australian Pipeline Industry Association Ltd (APIA) is the peak national body representing the interests of Australia’s high-pressure transmission pipeline sector. The Association was established in 1968 to represent construction contractor interests. During the mid-1970s, however, it became apparent to many within the rapidly changing pipeline industry that a structure uniting and representing all sectors of the industry would be more beneficial to industry participants, and the basis of the present-day APIA was created. The Association has now grown to a membership base of more than 400 members, including contractors, owners, operators, engineering companies and suppliers of pipeline products and services, and advisers on a range of issues. APIA’s current membership is predominantly involved in the high-pressure transmission of oil and gas; however, the Association also welcomes the membership of companies and individuals involved in the transmission of other products via pipeline, including water, slurry, etc.

In its early years, APIA was managed through a part-time secretariat however this changed in January 1999 when the organisation moved to Canberra, employing a full-time Chief Executive and administrative team comprising a Business Manager, Membership Officer and Functions/Administration Officer, plus a part-time Technical Policy Manager, a Research Adviser and an Accounts Administrator. More recently, the team in Canberra has been expanded to include a full-time Policy Adviser who works closely with the Chief Executive on a range of economic and environmental policy issues impacting on APIA’s members.

APIA and its members have successfully managed tremendous growth in Australia’s transmission pipeline system, which has more than trebled from 9,000 km in 1989, to over 17,000 km in 2001, to over 33,000 km today.

Today, APIA’s operations cover many areas. The APIA website, particularly the members-only section, is a vital tool for members, providing access to specialist industry information, including an online library. APIA manages and promotes an annual Convention and Trade Exhibition as well as a comprehensive program of seminars, luncheons and dinners. APIA also provides information on, and promotes the interests of, the pipeline industry through public presentations, newspaper articles, media releases and editorial comment in The Australian Pipeliner and other publications, as well as a regular Chief Executive’s eNews monthly report to members. In 2006, APIA established the Young Pipeliners Forum to encourage and promote the activities of the younger generation of pipeliners. This group has generated great interest and new activities within APIA.

An important role for APIA has been its industry research programs and the Association has strong working relationships with leading national and international institutions, including a tri-partite agreement between the APIA Research and Standards Committee, and the European and North American pipeline research bodies, EPRG and PRCI. As part of this research focus, APIA has been a leading proponent in the development of the industry-accepted technical standard, AS2885.

APIA has also been successful in winning government support for an Energy Pipelines Cooperative Research Centre (EPCRC). CRCs bring together universities, industry and government to provide research that benefits the industry and the nation. The EPCRC will provide critical research for the future of the pipeline industry, with contributions from Adelaide, Monash and Wollongong universities and the Australian National University.

Mission

Providing services to our members and ensuring the broader community, including government, industry and community groups, recognise and understand the benefits that the dynamic, market-driven Australian transmission pipeline industry can deliver to the national economy and regional development.

Key Objectives

• Maintain a strong and active membership base
• Raise community and government awareness of the pipeline industry and natural gas
• Be the advocate for the industry and represent the industry
• Achieve appropriate regulatory policies that encourage efficient and effective operations and investment in transmission pipeline infrastructure
• Maintain a research and development program that assists in the efficient and safe construction, maintenance and operation of pipelines
• Assist the industry to maintain its leadership in the management of environment, health and safety
• Assist the industry in the development and maintenance of its skills base
• Maintain a financially viable Association
• Assist the industry to prepare for changing national and global economic circumstances
• Achieve appropriate and sustainable climate change policies

Strategic Plan

APIA’s Strategic Plan is available through the secretariat or via download from APIA’s website.

Your organisation can support the industry

APIA is a non-profit organisation and all support is committed to ensuring the fulfilment of the Association’s missions and goals. Your organisation can assist in providing support and in making a valuable contribution toward issues faced by the Australian pipeline industry by becoming an active member of APIA.

Membership is available in different categories. The most suitable membership category will depend upon your organisation and can be discussed with staff at APIA.

Organisational Structure

The management of APIA’s affairs is vested in a Board of Directors, comprising nine to twelve Directors elected annually at the Annual General Meeting.

Membership of the Board is open to appointed representatives of full members of APIA.

The establishment and maintenance of an active committee structure enables APIA to continue to progress its core priorities. These committees and working groups focus on the following areas: Research & Standards, Safety, Construction, Operations and Maintenance (Pipeline Operators Group), Government and Economic Policy, Training, Environment, Climate Change, Coal Seam Gas, Young Pipeliners Forum, and the WA Chapter, which caters for those members who, by reason of distance, find it difficult to participate in many of the activities taking place in the eastern states.

Activities and Communications

• Annual Convention and Exhibition
• Seminars
• Luncheons and Dinners
• Website including “Members Only” section
• The Australian Pipeliner Official Journal of the Association, published quarterly
• APIA Directory/Year Book
• Regular Chief Executive’s newsletter to members
• Representation to government on issues affecting the pipeline industry
• Publishing of technical documents and development of Australian Standards
• Relationships with other Australian and international relevant associations
• A pipeline research program, with access to research results by contributors to the program

Membership

There are a number of categories of membership. Details can be found, along with a membership application form, on the APIA website.