Origin joint venture discovers gas field north of Perth

MELBOURNE - Origin Energy says its joint venture gas project in Western Australia has discovered a new gas field in the northern Perth Basin.

Origin said that on September 17 the exploration well Redback South 1 intersected with the Wagina Sandstone reservoir.

"Wireline log and pressure data indicate the presence of gas in the uppermost Wagina Sandstone," the company said.

"Gas samples have been recovered from the reservoir and preliminary analyses indicate gas composition to be similar to that seen in the nearby Beharra Springs gas field."

The company said the commercial significance of the discovery was dependent on further evaluation.

The project is a joint venture that is 67 per cent owned by operator Origin and 33 per cent owned by Australian Worldwide Exploration.

- AAP