Held at the Darwin Convention Centre, the conference – whose host sponsors included APA Group, BlueScope Steel, Bredero Shaw, CNC Project Management, Sargent and Vermeer – included an opening address from Territory Minister for Primary Industry, Fishery and Resources Kon Vatskalis and a keynote speech from 2005 Young Australian of the Year, Khoa Do.
Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA) President Peter Cox welcomed delegates on Monday morning, noting that the industry is facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Dampier Bunbury Pipeline’s Mark Cooper continued the theme, discussing how natural gas needs to be recognised as an industry in itself, rather than as an industry segment.
The opportunities presented by coal seam gas (CSG) were the key topic of Monday afternoon, during which time delegates heard from speakers including OSD’s Paul Beukelman and AJ Lucas’ Ben Cooper, who discussed the Wallumbilla to Gladstone pipeline looping in Queensland, and the potential impact of the state’s four proposed 42 inch diameter pipeline projects for extraction of CSG.
Tuesday’s program was jam-packed, featuring sessions on research and training, pipeline operations issues, construction and innovation, and environment and safety.
The exhibition featured 68 companies from all areas relating to the industry, including recruitment, equipment suppliers, service providers and trenchless technology specialists.
The conference also provided plenty of opportunities for delegates to network and explore Darwin. Saturday was dedicated to golf and a Welcome Dinner, while Sunday featured an outing to Crocodylus Park and the conference Opening Dinner. In a tribute to Darwin’s namesake, guests dressed as their favourite “˜Charlie’ at Monday’s Fancy Dress Dinner, while Tuesday’s APIA Annual Dinner concluded the conference with smiles all around.