BassGas JV Welcomes Arbitrator's Decision on Clough Dispute

The arbitrator's decision, which was handed down at the weekend, dismisses the $95.7 million Trade Practices claim by Clough, which--among other issues--alleged that there was misleading conduct on the part of Origin.

The determination also dealt with liability in respect of the first tranche of defects claims made by the Joint Venture against Clough (being claims notified up to April 2005) and found that Clough was liable in respect of the significant majority of these claims. The value attributed to rectification of these defects and liquidated damages will be determined at the second stage hearing in April 2008, together with the liability and quantum of the second tranche of defects notified after April 2005.

The Joint Venture welcomes the arbitrator's decision in this initial hearing and is hopeful that the outstanding matters in relation to the remainder of the arbitration can be resolved in a more time efficient manner.

Project participants are:

• Origin Energy Resources Limited, 37.5% (Operator)
• Origin Energy Northwest Limited, 5.0%
• AWE Petroleum Pty Ltd, 30.0%
• CalEnergy Gas (Australia) Limited, 15.0%
• Wandoo Petroleum Pty Ltd, 12.5% (Under contract of sale to ARC Energy Limited)