This year the Convention will return to the Royal Pines Resort at the Gold Coast from 20 to 23 October. This 39th APIA Convention will continue the tradition of bringing together those involved in the pipeline industry both nationally and internationally, onshore and offshore. It will provide updates of major projects and technical developments and analyses of issues affecting all sectors of the industry. It will also be a celebration of this dynamic and imaginative industry which is continually meeting new challenges.

A threat to new investment in gas transmission pipelines over the past few years has been the introduction of the Federal Government’s energy reform program. By introducing a single national regulator and streamlining the legislation, the gas transmission sector has risked increased regulatory intervention as the legislation brings together gas and electricity, distribution and transmission. APIA has worked closely with government during the final stages of legislative drafting to help avert the introduction of more onerous regulatory requirements, and the Federal Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, the Hon. Ian Macfarlane, has agreed to address the Convention (if the expected election permits).

The industry, through its members, is also addressing new opportunities being provided by the impact on the nation of the drought and the increasing focus on climate change. Australia’s pipeline industry is working on water pipelines and will participate in the provision of the infrastructure that will be required in the geosequestration process should this be an outcome of the expected carbon trading regime.

The industry’s dynamism has also been demonstrated through its encouragement of the younger APIA members to participate in events and learn from the more experienced members. We expect more younger pipeliners than ever will attend this year’s convention, and with a 35 per cent discount for younger first-timers, there is certainly plenty of encouragement.

Article continues below…

One of the excellent features of the convention is the exhibition and the access this provides to companies wanting to demonstrate their products to the industry. The exhibition space allows for networking, formal and informal functions, as well as some very good coffee to get the day started (or keep it going!)

APIA’s Annual Convention and Exhibition is one of the most important events in the Australian energy industry’s calendar, with high-quality papers providing information about technical, economic, safety, environmental and other issues as well as updates on key projects.

The industry, through its members, is also addressing new opportunities being provided by the impact on the nation of the drought and the increasing focus on climate change.