Adelaide, Oct 2, 2008 (ABN Newswire) - Central Petroleum Limited (ASX:CTP)(PINK:CPTLF) announce the Simpson 1 Drilling Report on the Rawson Resources Limited (RAW) and Petroleum Exploration Limited (PXA unlisted) Joint Venture 190 MMbbls ("high" estimate UOIIP).

The well is targeting Undiscovered Oil Initially In Place of up to 190 MMbbls ("high" estimate UOIIP) in the Jurassic Algebuckina and Poolowanna Formations and the Permian Tirrawarra Formation. Depending on depths encountered, it is possible the total depth of the well may test the top of the transgressive sand and shale C horizon of the Devonian carbonate platform play. Delays to the planned spud date of 270908 were occasioned by an intense Simpson Desert sand storm which covered the existing access road and partially by the failure of a contractor to have appropriate equipment available when required.

Drilling : As at 0600 today, the well had reached a Total Depth of 279m in the ?Winton Formation claystones with minor sandstones, background gas of 2-10 units (100 ppm to 1 unit) with C1 80-90% and C2 10-20%.

It is possible that a new Joint Venture partner may join the existing Joint Venture arrangements with Rawson Resources Limited (ASX ticker RAW), Petroleum Exploration Australia (unlisted PXA) and He Nuclear (unlisted HEN). Modification to the existing 2008 seven well programme could result from such a contemplated new arrangement.