Coalbed methane pioneer Sydney Gas Company said its nine well drilling program, as part of the 40 well program within Stage II of the Camden Gas Project, has been successfully completed with all wells having reached total depth within the planned time frame of nine weeks.

"Sydney Gas is proud of this outstanding performance. This drilling program, our biggest to date, was achieved by the field crew (with the support of our drilling contractors) within budget and on time," the company said.

Sydney Gas said the GL-6 well reached a total depth of 911m on 21 December 2002, after having intersected four coal seams, the Bulli at 734m, Balgownie at 754m, American Creek at 840m and the Tongarra at 896m.

The reaming of WG-1, a previously drilled core hole south of the Glenlee area and east of the Kay Park area, was completed to the total depth of 755m on 20 December 2002.