Perth-headquartered Comet Ridge said Palanyk had been consulting to it since last year after departing QGC where was also GM. At QGC Palanyk oversaw the discovery, assessment, well optimisation and predevelopment of the Berwyndale South and Argyle coal seam gas fields in south Queensland.

Before that, he was involved in the discovery and appraisal of the Peat coal-bed methane field in Queensland, now operated by Origin Energy CSG Ltd, said Comet Ridge managing director, Andy Lydyard.

“With a high level of activity anticipated in 2005 on our two key projects, Mahalo and Tipton West, it is important that we have a strong operational and commercial presence in Queensland, both as a joint venture partner and as a future supplier of gas to our customers," Lydyard said.

“We are entering a very exciting period where we will drill appraisal holes on Mahalo and continue appraisal/development activities at Tipton West. With Vic’s extensive experience and his excellent working relationship with our JV partners and customers we look forward to his contribution to building this company into a leading coal seam gas producer.”