Letter from Section Chair
Dear SPE Colleagues,
SPE-QLD celebrates another milestone this year, passing its 40th year since its inception in 1983. As we take time to reflect back on the history of the chapter and take stock, we are reminded that we live in an ever-changing Energy landscape, with the only constant being change itself, an observation from this pseudo-steady state nature of the industry is the convergence of the different traditional and emerging energy sectors, with competing requirements in the public interest balancing net zero targets, energy security requirements, and the expected standard of living.
Now more than ever before is SPE more relevant for providing a platform that facilitates connection between the community of engineers, scientists, and energy professionals to exchange knowledge, innovate, and advance our technical and professional competencies, to achieve and provide a safe, secure, and sustainable energy future.
This year we continue our program for driving value for members in Queensland, with Brisbane hosting the Asia Pacific Unconventional Resources Symposium in November 2023, bringing an opportunity for the membership group the post-COVID enjoyment of gathering, discussing, and present technically to one another once more.
The Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are operating in full force, covering Reservoir Engineering, Drilling and Completion, and Production disciplines. A new focus group is being established this year on Well Integrity driven by Queensland’s industry’s maturity into a more production-focused environment of sustaining and maintaining wells to ensure the maximum longevity of the producing well stock and reducing the likelihood complex of abandonments. These Special Interest Groups will continue to drive our ongoing technical luncheons throughout the year.
We also introduce and welcome some of our initial events focused on ESG and the road to net zero, this is an exciting opportunity to explore the tapestry of technical expertise required to meet the expectations of net zero. The old adage of you show me a werewolf and I’ll show you a silver bullet comes to mind when exploring the vast array of potential solutions to meet this challenge. The petroleum industry has set a high standard of expectations within the energy sector with respect to cost, supply, energy per unit of volume, efficiency, reliability, safety, and security. This benchmark presents significant challenges to non-hydrocarbon alternatives or replacements that are looking to assist with achieving Net Zero requirements alone.
Whilst we navigate our way through this energy convergence, the race is on to attract and maintain skilled professionals, with significant investment being put into various alternative energy projects dividing the talent pool. SPE QLD is committed to continuing to drive value for its membership group and is continually reviewing and implementing strategies to support the current membership base as well as attract and support new members.
We thank you and appreciate the ongoing support of SPE QLD and look forward to an exciting year.
Kind regards
Chris Barrand
SPE Queensland Chairperson 2023
Who We Are
SPE is the largest individual member organization serving managers, engineers, scientists and other professionals worldwide in the upstream segment of the oil and gas industry.
We offer a unique opportunity to contribute to the profession through our programs and activities and many of our accomplishments are driven by our dedicated members.
The SPE Queensland Section was established on the 17th June 1985 and currently maintains a 500 plus strong membership.
Our Mission
To collect, disseminate, and exchange technical knowledge concerning the exploration, development and production of oil and gas resources, and related technologies for the public benefit; and to provide opportunities for professionals to enhance their technical and professional competence.
Our Vision
To be a society of professional excellence, providing its members the highest quality lifelong learning, and continuous personal and professional growth.
Section By-Laws
Our SPE Queensland Section is governed by the following by-laws: