Held between 17 and 20 October at the Cairns Convention Centre, Queensland, the 2009 APIA Convention addressed technical, environmental and economic issues; provided up-to-date information about projects and international issues; and looked at new developments in the industry.

Over 400 delegates attended the Convention, which returned to Cairns after 19 years.

Presenting pipelines

A number of informative papers were presented as part of the two-day business session.

Following addresses from APIA immediate past President Ashley Kellett and Chief Executive Cheryl Cartwright, the Queensland Parliamentary Secretary for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Trade Michael Choi opened the Convention. Summaries of Mr Kellett’s, Ms Cartwright’s and Mr Choi’s speeches can be found in the following pages.

The Executive Chairman of Cape York Partnerships Noel Pearson then took the stage and spoke passionately about the need for reasonable development, including pipeline projects, on Aboriginal land to improve economic stability for Aboriginal communities.

Delegates attending the Monday business program also heard presentations covering new developments, climate change, safety and technical integrity, design and construction.

APA Group General Manager Commercial Rob Wheals spoke about the future of gas transportation on the east Australian gas grid, while WDS Ltd Systems and Environmental Manager David Bridge discussed carbon offset and its influence on pipeline construction projects.

Tuesday’s business session opened with a keynote speech from National Energy Board of Canada Professional Leader Alan Murray. Mr Murray spoke about regulation issues for Canadian pipelines, the elimination of hydrotesting, and similarities and differences between the Canadian and Australian pipeline industries. See interview with Alan Murray on page 76.

The rest of the day looked at pipeline operations issues and the environment. APA Group Manger Asset Management and Engineering Craig Bonar and Peter Tuft of Peter Tuft and Associates provided an outline of the pipeline incident database, while Vermeer Applications Engineer Jim Hutchins spoke about improving the environmental aspects of pipeline installation.

The business program was capped off with the ever popular projects and innovations stream, featuring presentations about the SEA Gas Pipeline, the 42 inch Colongra Lateral, and the Bonaparte Gas Pipeline.

The business sessions drew large crowds and thanks go to the speakers for their contributions.

The session chairs also did a wonderful job: Ms Cartwright, Mr Kellett, Leigh Fletcher, Peter Cox, Richard Robinson, Mark Walker, Graeme Fitzgerald and Kevin Lester.

Products and services on show

Held in conjunction with the business program, the exhibition provided an excellent forum for companies to display their new innovations.

The 2009 exhibition held approximately 60 stands, showcasing products and services ranging from construction companies to pipeline pig providers to machinery and portable camp suppliers.

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea were served in the exhibition area, which was constantly busy with delegates mingling around the stands and making key contacts for future business.

AGM elections

The APIA Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday morning, with elections for the 2010 Board a top priority. This year, WorleyParsons’ Peter Cox was elected as the new APIA President, AJ Lucas’ Kevin Lester as Vice President and Oil Search’s Richard Robinson as Treasurer. New Board members include Fyfe’s Mark Dayman, OneSteel’s Geoff Feurtado and DBP’s Mark Cooper.

Catching up – Cairns style

As always, the team at APIA and Conference Co-ordinators planned an amazing social program aimed at invigorating relationships between those within the pipeline industry.

Delegates were spoilt with a golfing tournament and a family day at Green Island, which included snorkelling, viewing the Great Barrier Reef from a glass-bottomed boat, and relaxing on the island’s pristine beach.

Both the welcoming and opening dinners provided a great opportunity for all to catch up with old friends and make new ones, while everyone let their hair down to go ‘troppo in the tropics’ at the fancy dress dinner.

Always a highlight of the Convention, almost 600 Pipeliners attended the Gala Dinner. The night was a great opportunity for last chance networking and capped off a fantastic Convention for another year.

Farewell to Cairns, on to Darwin!

The APIA Convention is a highlight of the year for many Pipeliners, and last year’s was no exception.

Both the business program and exhibition provide a great forum for the exchange of ideas and information, while the many dinners and social occasions allow delegates to catch up in a more informal setting.

The 42nd APIA Convention, to be held at the new Darwin Convention Centre between 11 and 14 September 2010, is set to be another great success, focusing on ‘Australia’s pipeline industry – local expertise; international influence’. Don’t miss this big energy event in Darwin.