Hi Buchers,I'd like to have gone but I couldn't get the time off...

Hi Buchers,

I'd like to have gone but I couldn't get the time off work next week to head to Perth.

Foremost, please let Ted know what a terrific job the long termers think he's done, and hopefully will continue to do as a Director, I for one greatly appreciate his efforts.

A question I would be interested in having answered (if there's time) is whether HDR and WPL extended their 'global exclusivity' arrangement, whereby HDR agreed with Woodside that it would allow Woodside first right of refusal in the right to participate in any new project anywhere in the world. The agreement was due to expire on 7 October 04, but could be optionally extended to Oct 05 if otherwise agreed (section 8.10, pg 91 of Hardman's prospectus earlier this year).

The information might provide a clue to Woodside's intention (or otherwise) to farm in to Guyane, as well as whether they want to maintain their 'big brother' relationship with Hardman for another year.