Santos coal seam gas drilling manager Darren Greer said the rig was only working on its second well, but Santos had high hopes for the Advantage Driller.

"It's probably one of the most modern, most technologically advanced rigs that the country has seen," he said. "It's early days yet, but we expect great things out of them."

Designed, engineered and manufactured in Toowoomba, the Advantage Driller is Australia's first state-of-the-art, fully automated CSM drilling rig, according to Easternwell.

It has a modular design with automated and computer-controlled pipe handlers and rig floor machines. It is AC-electric drive for direct torque on demand, has a small environmental footprint, automated reporting and measuring, and inbuilt additional services capabilities such as cementing.

According to Easternwell managing director Troy Campbell, the Advantage Driller's design allows for efficient and accurate project delivery while minimising environmental disturbance and noise pollution.

"These features ensure that the Advantage Driller has a minimal environmental impact, reduced noise and is a comfortable and safe work environment," Campbell said.

Easternwell is less than a year into a $100 million-plus contract with Santos.

Santos has two more Advantage Drillers on order from Easternwell Group in the coming year.