On behalf of all members, I take this opportunity to express APIA’s appreciation to Mark Twycross for his dedication and commitment to the role of President and to the industry during his tenure. I am certain Mark, in his new role of Immediate Past President, will participate in many of the regular APIA functions around the nation.

Congratulations to Christine O’Reilly and Graeme Fitzgerald on being elected, respectively, Vice President and Treasurer.

May I also congratulate our new Board Members, Peter Cox and Max Kimber.

The quality of candidates nominated for election to the Board is a reassuring reflection of our industry’s dynamism and enthusiasm. Well done to George Tsiros and Susan Jaques for nominating for Board positions. I have no doubt we will see both George and Susan in influential roles among APIA’s supporting committees and encourage them and others to stand again.

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I would also like to thank APIA’s Team, Bob Gration and Conference Co-ordinators for their efforts in putting together the recent APIA 2005 Convention and Exhibition in Adelaide. It was an unqualified success with a record number of delegates and exhibitors participating. The exhibition hall was large, but proved to be a functional meeting point between sessions and an excellent venue for presentations and announcements. The high standard of the exhibits and papers presented at the business sessions helped to ensure that all sectors of the pipeline industry were visible and effective. The social events were invaluable in terms of networking and relaxing with colleagues and new acquaintances, making the four-day event a delightful mix of technical and social interactions.

Going forward, I will endeavour to ensure APIA continues to play a leading role in representing the pipeline and greater industry in general.

In my first year as President, important themes and objectives will be to further increase the effectiveness of APIA’s communication to government and regulators by promoting economic and regulatory policies that are conducive to ongoing investment and operation of pipelines.

I also aim to improve the awareness of APIA across the industry, continue to invest in research and development initiatives and most importantly, promote the industry to the next generation to aid in the creation of skilled resources to meet future demand.

APIA has a strategic overview, which evolved from our original business plan. The Board will commence development of a detailed strategic and business plan at the meeting scheduled for February 2006.

I look forward to working together with all members at every opportunity and to the continued growth and prosperity of the industry.

Mark Harper

APIA President