Meanwhile, Rookwood East-1 and Rookwood West-1 have been cased. Based on the sub-sea elevation of sidewall cores with fluorescence in Rookwood-1, Rookwood West-1 and Rookwood East-1, a five-metre sand at the top of the Boxvale Sandstone in Rookwood West-1 is expected to be oil-bearing, according to Oilex.

It is also expected that the middle and lower sands in Rookwood South-1 will be oil bearing.

Oilex said that water recovery on DST from Rookwood West-1 was probably because it tested the entire Boxvale section, including what are now considered to be water-bearing sands in the lower half of the Boxvale at this location.

Rookwood East-1 and Rookwood West-1 will be completed once the position of the oil/water contact in the field has been determined.

The cuttings, sidewall core and log data generated on the field to date are deemed to be inconclusive on the position of the oil/water contact. Based on sidewall core data, lowest known oil is currently at 1,116.6 metres below sea level.

Drilling on the Rookwood Field will resume on 5 January 2005 with Rookwood Central-1. Rookwood Central-1 will be drill stem tested on penetration of the Boxvale Sandstone, and then cored into basement.

Upon recovery of oil from Rookwood Central-1, the partners plan to drill another three wells at the field.

Interests in the Rookwood Block are Oilex 59.06%, Victoria Petroleum 29.69% and private interests 11.25%. Interests in the rest of ATP 608P are Oilex 66.75%, Victoria Petroleum 24% and private interests 9.25%.