The Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA) was established in 1968 as the Australian Pipe Line Contractors Association. As a result of the many changes in Australia’s pipeline industry, including the privatisation of transmission infrastructure and the winding back of the Australian Gas Association, APIA has expanded to embrace the owners and operators of pipeline infrastructure as well as engineering firms and companies dedicated to supplying and servicing the industry. The Association now represents over 400 members.
In describing the role of the Association, APIA Chief Executive Cheryl Cartwright says “We provide services to our members including networking events, opportunities for young people, research, lobbying of government and submissions on relevant policy matters.”
A compelling voice shaping Australia’s energy future
In lobbying governments and regulators, Ms Cartwright says that appropriate research, quality information and unity of purpose is critical. “When the industry speaks with one voice, and speaks clearly, regulators and policy makers will listen.”
Ms Cartwright sees an important role for APIA in shaping government policies, saying “We need to ensure that government regulation remains appropriate and is not intrusive and discouraging for the industry. Demand for natural gas is increasing, and that’s a great thing for the pipeline industry. But Australian Government policy, particularly on climate change, often fails to recognise that natural gas is a low-cost, clean fuel. A major focus on natural gas could see Australia drastically cut its emissions relatively cheaply.”
APIA has contributed to the development of pipeline construction standards, not only in Australia but also internationally. Ms Cartwright recalls “It was the hard work and dedication of APIA’s members who developed the internationally-respected energy pipeline standard, AS2885: Pipelines – Gas and Liquid Petroleum. The standard has stood the test of time and is constantly reviewed and updated to meet economic, safety and environmental requirements.”
Generation pipeline
In 2006, APIA held the first seminar for young people in the industry. The seminar generated such enthusiasm from participants that a new APIA committee was established. Each Australian state has its own sub-committee to organise opportunities for young people, and each has one representative on the National Young Pipeliners Forum (YPF) committee.
“The YPF is facilitating the flow of information from experienced members of the industry to the newer members through networking events, visits by young people to members’ facilities, a mentoring programme, and grants to enable young people to attend national and international conferences,” says Ms Cartwright.
“We want to ensure that we are training people and this will help the industry to address skills shortages as the workforce heads toward retirement age. It will also help to maintain the industry’s excellent safety record.
“As any industry ages, it is critical to ensure that there are young people entering the industry and being educated so that the experts of the future will be ready to take on the industry’s challenges,” says Ms Cartwright.
Bringing together the industry’s best to address the big issues
APIA has various committees which meet regularly on a range of issues, such as safety, research, operation and maintenance, young people and education, training, and a range of policy issues. Ms Cartwright says that the expertise of the committees helps to ensure that the Association’s Secretariat provides appropriate information to government, the public and the broader membership.
Ms Cartwright says that she is very grateful for the time and effort that the members give to APIA so they can participate in these committees. Also, in doing so, they set aside individual and company interests to work for the common good of the industry.
“One of the most effective APIA committees is the Safety Committee, which leads the industry in developing guidelines related to many safety aspects of the industry, including fatigue management, driver behaviour and 4WD operations, working in isolated areas, and hydrotesting of pipelines,” Ms Cartwright notes.
The Energy Pipelines Co-operative Research Centre (EPCRC), which opened in January 2010, is Australia’s first research centre dedicated to ensuring the continued safe and cost-effective operation of the nation’s gas pipeline network, and will provide the foundation for the next generation of pipelines. The centre will work on research programmes spanning the full lifecycle of existing and future pipelines in the areas of materials, coatings, design and policy.
The Owners Committee has been recently re-established and is providing strong guidance to the Secretariat on regulatory and economic policy affecting the industry.
From outback to urban: the changing face of pipeline construction in Australia
Ms Cartwright considers that urbanisation is one of the biggest challenges facing the Australian pipeline industry today.
“A pressing issue for pipelines today is the spread of urban environments. Pipelines that have been designed for the risks of rural environments now find suburbs, and their associated infrastructure, constructed too close to high pressure transmission pipeline easements.
“The pipeline industry is well-equipped to handle these risks: the main issue is getting planners and developers to give appropriate consideration to pipelines and to actually talk to the pipeliner owners and operators before decisions are made,” Ms Cartwright says. “APIA is currently in the process of establishing a communication and/or awareness system with planning authorities.”
Looking ahead
Ms Cartwright is enthusiastic about the future of Australia’s pipeline industry.
“As the world looks to natural gas as one of the measures to reduce carbon emissions, the pipeline industry will be providing the necessary infrastructure to ensure natural gas is transported safely and efficiently around the nation.
“The young people in this industry are bright and enthusiastic with a lot of initiative. I expect that in the future, they will ensure that the Australian pipeline industry leads many others in forward thinking and planning.”
