Mr Jim McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of Australian Pipeline Trust (APA) was elected today as the new president of the Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA). The election took place during the APIA annual convention.

APIA represents the combined interest of pipeline owners, contractors, engineers and those who provide services and materials to the pipeline industry.

APIA's influence is increasingly international. Companies are looking overseas as opportunities for construction of pipelines within Australia have recently become limited.

Major projects are in doubt until customers can commit to provide sufficient demand to allow economic development of reserves to the North of Australia, and a sustainable energy policy is in place.

Mr McDonald believes that his role as president of APIA will be important in assisting the Federal, State and Territory Governments to develop an energy policy which supports the development of major gas infrastucture projects in Australia.