The MOU - between APIA, US-based Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI) and the European Pipeline Research Group (EPRG) - seeks to encourage information sharing, communication and co-funding of individual projects between the three organisations as well as information sharing between research bodies conducting pipeline research and development activities in association with the industry.

"Pipelines are now a global business and we therefore need to cooperate internationally given our shared interests in the efficient, safe and reliable operation of high pressure transmission pipelines," said APIA president, Jim McDonald.

In response to a paper presented at the convention today which emphasised the consequences of unforeseen changes in land use by the public on the risk profile of high pressure pipelines, APIA executive director, Dr Allen Beasley said it was essential that local land planning and council zoning processes take into account the needs of the pipeline industry.

"It is essential that the local land planning system, which differs significantly from state to state, provides a consistent approach to ensure timely notification of development activity around pipelines," Dr Beasley said.

"Given that pipeline licensees have the ultimate responsibility for risk management to the public, it is entirely reasonable to expect all governments to act to ensure their land use planning regimes ensure that potential threats to pipelines are notified to pipeline owners."

Dr Beasley said APIA supported a tiered "Development Notification" policy, including supporting legislation, as set out in the research paper presented by Stephen Dykes on "Notification Zones and their Application in Australia".

The Association would take the issue up with all state and territory governments in the interests of effective protection of pipelines and national consistency, Dr Beasley added.

Finally, APIA announced that Phillip Venton, principal of Venton and Associates, has been named as the recipient of APIA's 2002 Award for outstanding contribution to Australia's pipeline industry. The award recognises an individual who has made a sustained major contribution to development of the nation's pipeline industry.

As the current Chair of Standards Australia ME38 Committee, APIA said Mr Venton is playing a leadership role in the world class technical standards that underpin the design, construction and operation of high-pressure pipelines in this country.

"As a foundation member of APIA's Research and Standards Committee, he has conceived and led a number of research projects, the results of which have been incorporated into national pipeline standards," APIA told delegates at the conference today.