International recognition for Australia’s pipeline environmental code
Posted: 29 October 2005
The Australian pipeline industry’s best-practice approach to environmental management has been recognised internationally with the World Federation of Pipeline Industry Associations endorsing a new code released recently.
The Australian Pipeline Industry Association’s Code of Environmental Practice for onshore pipelines was officially launched in Adelaide – on the eve of APIA’s annual convention – by Mr Warren Entsch, Parliamentary Secretary to the Federal Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources.
The new APIA Code provides a practical guide to the planning, construction, operation and decommissioning of pipelines.
APIA Chief Executive, Ms Cheryl Cartwright, said the Australian industry led the world in building and operating pipelines in an environmentally sensitive manner and this experience and knowledge was encapsulated by the Code.
“We were delighted to be advised this week that the World Federation of Pipeline Industry Associations has endorsed our Code,” Ms Cartwright said.
“Such international recognition confirms the high standing of this industry’s environmental practices which are reflected in the Code’s guidelines.
“ APIA’s Code is a document which reinforces that commitment and provides other industries, that also construct vital infrastructure, with a roadmap to best practice,” she said.
Ms Cartwright said the Code was a practical, user-friendly document that reflected the hands-on experience of Australia’s pipeline industry.
She said State government agencies and regulators in South Australia and Western Australia had responded positively to the Code.
“ APIA expects the Code will become the basis of a national approach in relation to all aspects of the pipeline industry. A common regulatory approach to dealing with the environment is particularly important when pipelines traverse several states and regulatory jurisdictions,” Ms Cartwright said.
“We look forward to working with regulators in all states on this code,” she said.
PNG pipeline update
An update on the multi-billion dollar PNG-to-Australia gas pipeline project will be a feature of the APIA annual convention business sessions starting tomorrow at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Monday’s opening session will include a “Major Projects Update”, including the PNG Gas Pipeline, the Dampier-Bunbury pipeline and the Casino pipeline development.
A paper titled “The PNG Gas Pipeline – Bridging PNG and Australia” will be presented by Mr Gary Voss, AGL’s Project Director, Technical, PNG-Queensland Gas Pipeline.
A record number of pipeline industry people have registered for the convention and the exhibition component of the convention will also be a record.
The Convention will be officially opened on Monday morning with a keynote address by The Hon Patrick Conlon, South Australia’s Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy.
Also on Monday, Dr John Tamblyn, Chairman of the Australian Energy Market Commission, will speak on “The New Economic Regulatory System and the Pipeline Industry” while Mr Mick McCormack, CEO of the Australian Pipeline Trust, will present a paper titled “Regulatory Reform From a Pipeline Perspective”.
A focus of attention at the convention will be the vital role played by gas pipelines in Australia’s present and future energy supply infrastructure.
“Our 2005 convention – the 47th for APIA - is being held against a backdrop of unprecedented activity in the pipeline industry, with projects worth more than $6 billion either underway or on drawing boards,” Ms Cheryl Cartwright, said.
“Our industry is operating in a dynamic environment, with development plans for new pipelines taking place amid a robust debate about the regulation of, and access to, this vital infrastructure,” Ms Cartwright said.
“Such complex industry issues are compounded by the new security environment in which we find ourselves with the protection of essential infrastructure, like transmission pipelines, high on industry and government agendas.
“At the same time, our industry is facing a shortage of the skilled personnel required to build the nation’s future pipelines.
“Clearly, we are facing a number of challenges and I am looking forward to hearing how our industry colleagues, government ministers and regulators think these issues might be tackled,” she said.
For more information see http://apia.net.au/
Posted by Richard Price, Editor, EnergyME.com
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