PM Transcripts

FOR MEDIA FRIDAY 28 DECEMBER 1979
THE BASS STRAIT FIELD
The four year development and exploration programme announced
by Esso-BHP is further evidence that the 1980s hold outstanding
development prospects for Australia.
The cormpanies' proposed $ 1.2 billion investment in Bass Strait
will ensure the ma~ ximum recovery of the most available known
and potential oil and gas reserves in the field.
This will assist the maintenance of the highest practicable
level of self sufficiency in oil which is vitally important to
AustraLian security and to the Australian economy.
The commitment of large sums of money in high risk exploration
and development by Esso-BHP is to be commended.
The programme is a further reminder that the Government's energy
policies of conservation, finding new oil, developing alternative
fuels and research are continuing to produce significant results.
000----she r. W.-x0ecy