More than 500 pipeline industry people are expected to attend the convention and exhibition with the theme, Australia’s Dynamic Pipeline Infrastructure Industry – Infrastructure for the Future.

Coming under the microscope at the Alice Springs event will be Australia’s increasing reliance on pipelines as part of the nation’s present and future energy supply infrastructure.

“Australia’s pipeline industry is at a critical point in its history, with major regulatory decisions poised to affect future investment decisions and major projects either underway or almost underway,” APIA chief executive Cheryl Cartwright said.

“This year’s program will provide insights into the regulatory challenges, both immediate and future, as well as comprehensive updates on key projects.

“As well as this information, the conference will also include presentations that cover international developments, cultural and heritage issues, environmental management, operational challenges and steel manufacture into the future.”

Northern Territory Minister for Mines & Energy Chris Natt will officially open the event, while Agility Management chief executive and APIA president Mark Harper will give the welcoming address.

CRA International vice president Mike Smart will speak on the Economic Value Created by the Emergence of a National Gas Pipeline Network.

Other presentations will include:

· Coal seam gas – a significant driver for new gas pipeline infrastructure in eastern Australia, presented by RLMS principal Ross Skerman and senior advisor Graham Baker;

· Pipeline developments in the Northern Territory presented by Australian Pipeline Trust general manager operations Stephen Ohl;

· Sydney Primary Loop project presented by Agility Management general manager, asset strategy and development Neil Cain;

· Dampier-Bunbury Pipeline expansion Stage 4 and 5 program overview by Alinta Asset Management DBP project director Peter Iancov;

· ASEAN Council on Petroleum (ASCOPE) presented by ASCOPE chief executive Allen Beasley;

· APIA Safety and Research Updates presented by McConnell Dowell general manager – pipelines and APIA Safety Committee chair Mark Twycross and by MJ Kimber Consultants managing director and APIA Research & Standards Committee chair Max Kimber;

· Total Pipeline Integrity Management System presented by Petronas Gas Berhad manager Ahmad Nadzri Khalid;

· Effective Management Techniques of Cultural Heritage and the Environment in the Pipeline Industry presented by Leighton Contractors project manager Konrad Litfin and environmental and cultural manager Colin Lane;

· The Benefit of Regulatory Involvement in the Design and Construction of Gas Pipelines, presented by GasNet Australia service contracts manager Tom Carroll; and

· Social and Environmental Influences on Modern Pipelining, presented by Environmental Resources Management Australia senior environmental engineer Megan Lawson.