The intervals, between 2,882 -3,165m also confirmed an excellent reservoir quality and a shallower interval, confirmed to be a small oil zone, which will be completed for future testing.

However, the reservoir net pay encountered at Yolla-4 was slightly less than the pre-drill expectations although the porosity and permeability measured in the core and via wireline logs was greater than expected.

Following running and cementing the liner, the joint venture intends to perforate and complete the three main gas bearing sandstone reservoirs and the upper oil zone.

Production tests will be conducted on all zones post completion by the end of July, followed by the drilling of the Yolla-3 development well.

The Yolla field is located within the Tasmanian offshore production licence, T/L1, about 95km southwest of Wilson’s Promontory and 110km north of the Tasmanian coastline.

Participants in T/L 1 are AWE Petroleum 30%, Origin Energy Resources (Operator) 32.5%, CalEnergy (Australia) 20%, Wandoo Petroleum 12.5% and Origin Energy Northwest 5%.