In a statement yesterday, Impress said the most likely recoverable oil from Growler was 1.4MMbbl and the Victoria Petroleum-led JV had now finished analysing data from a second short-term production test on the Growler-1 well, which was drilled last September.

“The well appears to be ‘cleaning up’ suggesting that production rates may increase over time,” Impress said.

“In its current state, Growler-1 will likely produce 160bopd initially on pump. If the well ‘cleans up’ as suggested by the date, ultimate production rates in excess of 250bopd could be achieved on pump.”

Meanwhile at the crest of the structure, about 700m north of Growler-1, the JV is preparing to start drilling the Growler-2 appraisal well.

This follows a successful result at the previous well in the program, Wirraway-1, which was cased and suspended as an oil producer.

Results from Wirraway-1 and the two Growler wells will be used to determine how the fields would be best developed.

VicPet and Impress have both said they are increasingly confident in the viability of their western Cooper Basin oil play.

"We have now drilled two wells on the Western Margin Oil Fairway and both have been oil discoveries," Impress CEO Eddy Bukovic said.

"We have over 20 prospects and leads as follow-up targets nearby in both PEL 104 and PEL 111 to the north.

"We are working hard to refine our knowledge of the exploration potential of the Western Margin Oil Fairway and determine the best way to bring discoveries in this new oil province on production as soon as possible.”

The PEL 104 joint venture comprises Victoria Petroleum as operator with a 40% stake, Impress with 40% and Roma Petroleum with the remaining 20%.