Previous Events
QLD YPF 2nd Quarter Networking and Speaker Event
The Queensland Young Pipeliners Forum (YPF) hosted a successful networking and speaker event on the 21st of May. This was a great opportunity for its members to get together and meet other people involved in the industry. The event was held at the Ship Inn, Southbank Parklands, where an enjoyable outside balcony and conference room provided a casual environment for drinks, finger food and a presentation by CNC Project Management’s Director Dave Maloney and Manager Environment & Regulatory Compliance Ian Spence.
The night started with a few ales and a relaxed Friday night atmosphere encouraged networking with familiar faces and new participants from diverse areas of the industry. Later into the evening YPFers’ where enlightened by CNC Project Management’s presentation on Facilitation Across the Nation: Route Selection and Preparation.
With the number of pipeline projects rapidly growing in Queensland, challenges encountered during pipeline route selection are becoming increasingly complex and difficult to manage. Recent media coverage of the Coal Seam Gas industry activity in Queensland reflects the level of community anxiety that can develop. The speakers outlined some of the challenges faced, from initial negotiations with landowners, communities and government agencies to delivering a project consistent with stakeholder expectations. CNC Project Management shared its experience and expertise with the YPFers, providing examples of how it had managed to overcome these challenges.
The presentation led to an exciting discussion where participants posed different questions based on their different areas of involvement in the industry. Pipeline route selection plays an important role in the Australian Pipeline Industry and this night made YPFers mindful of the responsibilities involved that define the reputation and the future our industry.
The YPF wants to thank CNC Project Management, Dave Maloney and Ian Spence for sponsoring and making this event possible. Also a big thank you to the pipeline industry for its ongoing support.
QLD YPF Vinidex Plant Tour & Barefoot Bowls Event – 19 March 2010
On Friday 19th March 2010, an enthusiastic group of YPFers gathered for a tour of the Vinidex manufacturing plant and distribution centre at Coopers Plains, Brisbane. Vinidex is an innovative and technically advanced thermoplastics pipe and fittings manufacturer with manufacturing, warehousing and distribution facilities throughout Australia.
The YPF group were educated by the team about the range of raw materials that form PVC and Polyethylene (PE) pipe and the role that each material plays. The tour inside the plant was led by Con Gatzias and Glenn Bochow and they detailed the function of each process along the production lines which included the mixing of raw materials, pipe extrusion, cooling, destructive testing and quality control markings. The tour of the manufacturing facilities increased our appreciation of the science and processes involved in developing the pipe that is finally delivered to site.
The plant tour worked up a thirst and what better way to wind down on a Friday afternoon than barefoot bowls and a few refreshing ales at the Booroodabin Bowls Club. The bowling skills may have left a little bit to be desired at times; however, it was a great opportunity for young people in the pipeline industry to meet new people and network in a casual environment.
These events are not possible without the support of the pipeline industry and a big thank you to Greg McClure and Vinidex for hosting the plant tour and sponsoring the barefoot bowls event. Also a big thank you to Sargent once again for their generosity in providing transport for the tour.