During 1980, exploration and development drilling activity in Australia continued as in 1979 at a very significant pace relative to previous years. The states with the greater amounts of activity were Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. In Australia overall, there were 67 exploration wells and 59 development wells drilled and/or commenced in 1980. Significant discoveries were made in Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. Perhaps the most significant geological development is the continued confirmation of oil and gas in Jurassic strata over a broad area in the Cooper basin of South Australia.

Natural gas production increased 12.6% in 1979 relative to 1980, to 10,674.43 million m3. Oil production in 1980 decreased 12.9% relative to 1979, by 3,158,865 m3 to 21,316,813 m3, or an average production of about 350,413 barrels per day.

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