This approval is considered to be an important milestone for the development of the Casino field where initial gas production is scheduled for the first quarter of 2006.

The receipt of the environmental approval is a key joint venture condition to allow the loan facility for up to $45 million, which is being provided by Mizuho Bank.

The Casino project is now about 16% completed and is on time and on budget.

Intersts in Casino are Santos Limited (operator) 50%, Peedamullah Petroluem Pty Ltd (AWE) 25% and Mittwell Energy Resources Pty Ltd 25%.