Speaking on the eve of APIA’s annual convention, which begins today on the Gold Coast, Harper said natural gas was one of the most viable ways to reduce greenhouse gas production when it is used to displace more carbon-intensive fuels in energy supply.

“With proven technology and the capacity to be implemented relatively quickly, the pipeline industry can provide the transportation infrastructure to meet any increase in demand for gas,” he said.

“Australia’s pipeline industry is therefore well placed to contribute significantly to the total greenhouse solution. Gas, and the technology to deliver it, is ready now.

“This industry is in good shape and poised to benefit from the increased demand for gas as it contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.”

Harper said the pipeline industry is not only ready to meet the current challenge of providing natural gas as demand increases, but is also prepared to look further ahead and embrace the significant changes which are likely to flow from continuing environmental pressures.

“In anybody’s book there is much more change ahead than we have already experienced in the past decade and this industry is prepared to embrace those opportunities.”

This year’s annual APIA convention has drawn more than 400 pipeline industry people to the Gold Coast.

A wide range of papers will be presented including “The vision for an east Australian gas grid” and “Possibilities for above-ground pipelines”.

Queensland Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchcliffe delivered the opening address this morning.

This was followed by the keynote address, given by Fluor Corporation vice-president corporate development Mervyn Sambles covering a major international research paper on the world’s energy availability.