The international oil and gas industry has undergone a massive transformation over the past fifty years and the industry in Australia has been no exception. From a fledgling emerging activity for which major hydrocarbon production was little more than a gleam in the eye, it has matured into being one of the major export earners for the nation. APPEA has played a critical role in this evolution developing policies for its members often well ahead of Government and other industries.

The incredible technical advances made by the industry and the use of technologies developed by other industries have enabled the industry to expand to a degree never imagined fifty years ago. This has allowed the industry worldwide to meet ballooning demand, which will probably continue for many years despite the constraints imposed by increasing carbon dioxide levels. In Australia we have not been as successful to date with oil but Australia will have a major role to play in the coming years through export gas developments that will require sound long term stable policies from Governments. APPEA and the Australian oil and gas industry can look forward to a challenging and exciting future.