“Added to the expected pump rate for Growler-1 of 160 barrels of oil per day, we are anticipating the Growler Oil Field could come on production in the fourth quarter 2007 at an initial combined rate of the order of 330 barrels of oil per day,” VicPet managing director John Kopcheff said.

“The current production characteristics of the Birkhead oil sand could lead to a large development drilling program of the same style as the successful Santos Cooper Oil Project, although it is early days yet for this area.”

VicPet said wireline and sidewall core data indicated Growler-2 well intersected a 15m oil column over the interval 1725m to 1737.5m of similar to better quality than the equivalent section in the discovery well.

Data from the two wells indicate the Growler oil field contains an oil column of at least 18m.

Impress chief executive Eddy Buckovic said the Joint Venture was pleased with the results.

“After a long and, at times, frustrating wait on weather and rig repairs the Joint Venture has finally achieved the results we were aiming form,” he said.

“Wireline, core and now test flow data indicate that Growler-2 is similar to and in some respects better than the results at Growler-1.”

Buckovic said Growler-2, 750 metres north of the Growler-1 discovery well, represented a significant step out and appraisal well on the field.

“The test flow rate of 54 barrels gives us confidence that once on pump we could do in excess of 170 barrels of oil per day,” he said.

“Combined with the data from Growler-1, which indicates that it will produce 160 barrels of oil on pump, it reinforces our belief that we have a project worth pursuing.”

The participants in Growler-2 and PEL 104 are operator Victoria Petroleum with a 40% stake, Impress Energy (40%) and Roma Petroleum (20%).