The well, which may reach a depth of 573m, is planned to intersect the Great Northern, Fassifern, Australasian, Montrose, Wave Hill, Fern Valley, Victoria Tunnel and Borehole coal seams.

The deposits have a net aggregate thickness of about 30m, at intervals of about 380m-522m, within the Upper Permian Newcastle coal measures.

The JB series of wells are being drilled in order to confirm the long-term production capability of Wyong as a stand alone project area.

The wells will be fracture stimulated and completed. A flow test program will be started when they are dewatered.

Production testing will take at least six months to determine the reservoir’s production potential.

Sydney Gas said it had identified a high production fairway from the wells.