Cape Range No. 1 Oil Well

Statement of Significance

Cape Range No 1 Oil Well has historic heritage significance. Discovery of oil at the Rough Range No 1 oil well in early 1950s sparked great optism about the possibility of rich finds. These wells did not produce the hoped for yields and it was only in 1964 that investors were rewarded with the rich oil discoveries at Barrow Island. The site is an example of remote locations where oil exploration took place, (refer to Place Record Form No 1)

Physical Description

There is little visible evidence of the Cape Range No 1 oil well as the rig was a mobile one which was removed from the site on completion of the drilling program.

History

The Cape Range No 1 Oil Well is one of a series of wells drilled in the Exmouth area in the early 1950s. An aerial survey of the Rough Range area cominccd Bill Walklcv (later Sir William Walkley) that there was oil to be found in Australia. He was the founding Managing Director of Ampol Petroleum Ltd. Six years later, in 1953. Ampol raised the money to begin drilling at a site in Rough Range located on the southern tip of Exmouth Gulf. They did this under the name West Australian Petroleum Pty Ltd (WAPET). WAPET used the Learmonth RAAF base for bringing in personnel and some supplies but built a jetty for heavier equipment. In November 1953 oil flowed at the Rough Range No 1 Well, sending Ampol shares and the hopes of WA soaring. However the oil proved of insufficient commercial value. Despite other drilling sites in Rough Range and Cape Range failing to produce commercial quantities of oil. Ampol remained hopeful of further strikes. Hopes were fulfilled when significant oil was discovered on Barrow fsland in 1964.

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Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.