Progress and Status

Origin Energy, on behalf of the T/18P Joint Venture, advises that as at 06:00 hours EDT on Thursday 17 December 2009 the current operation at Rockhopper 1 is preparing to pressure test the lower marine riser package prior to drilling the 8 1/2” hole section. During the week 722 m of 12 1/4” hole was drilled and the 9 5/8” casing was set at 1,965m.

Well type and location

Rockhopper 1 is an exploration well located in exploration permit T/18P, operated by Origin some 38km west of the Yolla gas field and approximately 10km north-north-east of Trefoil 1.

Rockhopper 1 is a deviated well. The final surface location is:

Planned total depth of the well is 3,487mRT (3140m TVDSS). The primary objectives are the Paleocene sandstones within the Eastern View Coal Measures.

* a wholly owned subsidiary of Origin Energy Limited

For further information please contact:

Investors
Angus Guthrie
Group Manager, Investor Relations
Ph: +61 2 8345 5558
Mobile: +61 417 864 255

Media
Lina Melero
General Manager, Corporate Communication
Ph: 02 8345 5217
Mobile: 0427 017 798

Map of Bass basin showing exploration permit T/18P