A Drillsearch (10%) report said good to strong oil shows were recorded in the Birkhead Formation.

“Two cores were cut in the interval 1226 to 1253 metres and proved an 8.3 metre oil reservoir in the 15-2 sand. After reaching TD electric logging and formation multi tester (“FMT”) surveys were completed. This data established a productive oil zone.

The well has been cased as a future Birkhead oil producer and the rig released,” the company said.

“The 2005 Mulberry appraisal program has been very successful. With Mulberry-5 there will now be 4 producers on this field. The Mulberry-2 and 3 wells have been tied into Mulberry-1 and the Gimboola production facility. It is anticipated that Mulberry-5 will be tied in very shortly. These additional wells should commence oil production in mid to late June, 2005.”

The partners said this well completed the current appraisal and development program at Tintaburra Block. The only well which has not added to proved developed reserves will be converted to a water injector to assist in oil recovery optimisation.

They said further drilling in the block is likely later in 2005 with targets being guided by production performance and ongoing interpretation of the Talgeberry 3D seismic data.”

Interests are Santos 89% - operator, Drillsearch 10% and CPC Energy 1%.