EXECUTIVE REPORTS
President’s message
W
elcome to our 53rd Convention, and our second Virtual Convention in a row. While I know everyone would much rather be having a face-to-face Convention in Brisbane, I can assure you every effort has been made to ensure the association delivers the best Virtual Convention again this year. Well, what a difference there has been in the two years since I had the honour of being elected APGA President in Adelaide in October 2019. How the world has changed, and the speed of change has been challenging. Aside from the obvious impact of COVID-19 on the world, the climate influence on where our future energy comes from has altered significantly and fast. For us there are clear positions: •G as will be part of the energy mix long into the future. This will be no surprise to any of our members, who listen to the logical reasoned arguments. This is not a biased view, but the reality that change takes time for research, development, and society to adapt to. Members will have heard our CEO on several occasions remind us that there is an obligation on us to ensure this message gets through to those whose research is limited to Google. •O ur association has an important role in the journey to net zero and seen to be a key contributor and voice in the journey. The collective research and development of new technology of both members and associated organisations (Future Fuels CRC) are at the forefront of the transition to net zero. Very recently we saw the opening of Hydrogen Park South Australia, suppling 5 per cent blended hydrogen to 700 properties. While small in scale, it shows what can be achieved and is scalable. • We must paint the end state. Our aim is to be
the builder and transporter of renewable green energy. Driving the change and lobbying for our industry in that change is an imperative. There are way too many critics and commentators. We have to be the voice of reason and sense in this transition. I would like to thank the APGA Board members for their support over the past two years. The commitment of the Board members, and that of their respective companies to afford them the time and resources, is core to the tremendous association we have. We exist for our members, and the continued support is invaluable. On a personal level, I would like to thank MPC Kinetic for affording me the time and resources to dedicate to the association. Like all Board members, committee members and active volunteers right across the association, we could not do this without their support. Finally, the secretariat. While we have seen changes in personnel over the past two years, the core commitment and dedication has been unwavering. In the seven years I have been on the Board, at our Board meetings we have always asked, is the association in position to weather a ‘rainy day’? Well, I think it is fair to say, it does not get more challenging than the past two years. The secretariat has had to respond rapidly to changing situations, financial challenges and a 50 per cent change in personnel. Their willingness and absolute dedication to ensure members get value for their fees is commendable. Thank you to Steve and the team.
TONY O’SULLIVAN PRESIDENT
APGA Board President Tony O’Sullivan MPC Kinetic Vice President Donna McDowall Quanta Services Australia Treasurer Wendy Oldham SEA Gas Immediate Past President Dave Maloney CNC Project Management Board members Lou Guevara Vacuworx Australia Ray Keable LandPartners Kevin Lester APA Group Leon Richards McConnell Dowell John Stuart-Robertson HDI Lucas Sean Ward Jemena
A complete APGA membership list is printed on pages 84 and 85
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The Australian Pipeliner | September 2021
