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Former APGA president and key figure in the Australian gas pipeline industry, Jim McDonald, sadly passed away on 27 December 2016.

Jim began his career in the pipeline industry in 1971 at Esso Australia and was there for 15 years before taking on the position of CEO at NT Gas.

This led to a role at AGL as the General Manager of AGL’s Pipeline Division, followed by an appointment as the Australian Pipeline Trust’s (now APA Group) first CEO, and later Managing Director.

Jim retired from APA in 2005 but continued to make his mark in the industry, with numerous non-executive director roles at some of Australia’s largest ASX-listed companies. After retirement, Jim also took on the role of foundation Chairman of the Energy Pipelines Cooperative Research Centre (EPCRC).

Jim then turned his attention to the concept of a “virtual pipeline” and technologies that revolutionise the way compressed natural gas is transported to remote industrial locations, through his role as Chairman of the IntelliGas Group of companies.

Throughout his career, Jim was also strongly involved with the Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA), now the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA), through his role as president.

Jim is credited with helping shape APGA into the association it is today, evolving it from a group for pipeline contractors, to an association serving the entire pipeline supply chain.

APGA Chief Executive, Cheryl Cartwright, said, “Jim was a true gentleman, highly intelligent and had a great sense of humour. Amid his busy work and family life he also found time for horses and racing, as well as the Collingwood Football Club.

He nurtured the development of the industry’s association and we are grateful for his lateral thinking, insightful guidance and enthusiastic encouragement. He will be greatly missed.”

A service to celebrate Jim’s life was held at the Gold Coast on 5 January 2017. Jim is survived by his wife Di and his children Steven, Gemma, Joanne and Kate.

Lauren brings a fresh approach to content. While she’s previously written for publications as diverse as Australian Geographic, The Border Watch and Girlfriend, she’s found her true passion in her current role as an editor in the world of energy and infrastructure trade magazines.

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