THE FUTURE FOR EXPLORATION IN THE GIPPSLAND BASIN

Abstract

The Gippsland Basin is, by Australian standards, mature from a petroleum exploration point of view but retains significant potential for success. The main recognised plays of Top Latrobe porosity, deeper fault blocks and stratigraphic truncations are in various stages of exploitation, with the latter two showing the greater undiscovered potential. Parameters for hydrocarbon accumulations, such as source, seal, structural style and trap timing, are now reasonably well documented and future success in established and untested plays will rely heavily on detailed velocity analysis, deep- penetration high- frequency seismic data and an integrated regional approach to stratigraphic controls.