The South Australia Government is carrying out tests at the Tirrawarra Oil field to determine whether or not it has a major productive oil site on its land. The most recent tests have proved inconclusive owing to a breakdown in the sampling equipment at the well-head. But the testing is to go on.

Mr. A. Harris, the exploration manager for Bridge Oil NL, the operators of the Tirrawarra well, said the fault had been repaired and that the test were continuing as planned. Detailed flow rates are expected to be announced in the next few days.

Despite this disappointment, director's remained hopeful that the State South Australia would soon have its first commercial oil proposition. The South Australian Premier, Mr. Dunstan, was there to watch tests along with many reporters and cameramen, at the remote desert site.

The well is 500 miles (800 Kms) From Adelaide in the north-east corner of the State. It is only 20 miles (32 Kilometres) north-west of the Moomba and Gidgealpa Gas fields.

Mr. Dunstan said that the Government would be prepared to partially finance a pipeline to Adelaide if the field proved commercial. He added that there would be a clear idea of the potential of the field after another well has been drilled in the area...

The well has so far been described as the "Wildest oil zone" so far encountered in Australian on-shore drilling.