Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What does Cassowary Group do?

Accepted Answer

Cassowary Group delivers and supports industrial projects and operations. Our work can include supply and procurement, materials, manufacturing, equipment, transport and logistics, infrastructure, maintenance, workforce, technology and operational oversight. A client may engage Cassowary for one of these capabilities or for several connected parts of the same requirement. The exact scope depends on what needs to be delivered.

Question 2

What does “Integrated Industrial Systems” mean?

Accepted Answer

Most industrial operations depend on more than one organisation or capability. A manufacturing operation may depend on materials, equipment, suppliers, transport, maintenance, workforce and technology. A mine may depend on equipment, parts, contractors, transport, maintenance, workforce and supporting infrastructure. A new industrial development may require many of these things before it can operate at all. Integrated Industrial Systems describes Cassowary’s ability to work across several of those requirements where the project calls for it. It does not mean Cassowary must control every part of the operation.

Question 3

Is Cassowary Group a consultancy?

Accepted Answer

Cassowary may undertake assessment, planning and advisory work, but our role is not limited to providing advice. Depending on the engagement, Cassowary can remain involved in procurement, mobilisation, project delivery, supplier coordination, operations, maintenance and other practical work required by the project. The scope is agreed with the client before work begins.

Question 4

Does Cassowary Group only work on projects that are already in trouble?

Accepted Answer

No. Cassowary works with new developments, existing operations, expansions and projects already underway. Sometimes the requirement is to establish something new. Sometimes an existing operation needs additional capability. Sometimes a project has encountered a problem and needs another organisation to take responsibility for a defined part of the work. The starting point changes. The work is structured around the requirement.

Question 5

Is Cassowary Group an EPCM contractor?

Accepted Answer

Cassowary can perform EPCM functions, but EPCM does not define the Group. Where required, our scope can include project definition, engineering coordination, procurement, contractor management, construction management, project controls and commissioning. Cassowary can also work beyond the traditional EPCM boundary into manufacturing, supply, transport and logistics, workforce, maintenance, technology, operational establishment and ongoing operations. The delivery model is selected around the project rather than requiring every project to fit one model.

Question 6

How is Cassowary different from a traditional EPCM model?

Accepted Answer

Traditional EPCM generally centres on engineering, procurement and management of construction on behalf of the client. Those functions may be only part of what is required to establish or support an industrial operation. Equipment may need to be manufactured and transported. Materials may need long-term supply arrangements. A workforce may need to be established. Maintenance capability may be required. Technology and communications may need to operate alongside physical infrastructure. Cassowary can bring several of these requirements into its agreed scope where that structure makes sense for the project. Specialist engineering, construction and regulated work remains with appropriately qualified people and organisations.

Question 7

Has Cassowary replaced the EPCM model with its own model?

Accepted Answer

No. EPCM remains appropriate for many projects. Cassowary’s model provides another way to structure work where the requirement extends beyond engineering, procurement and construction management alone. Some projects may use Cassowary in an EPCM role. Some may use Cassowary alongside an existing EPCM contractor. Others may engage Cassowary for a specific work package or for a broader delivery and operating scope. The structure follows the project.

Question 8

Can Cassowary work with an existing EPCM contractor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cassowary can work within an established project structure. Where an EPCM contractor, engineer, principal contractor, project manager or another delivery organisation is already appointed, Cassowary’s responsibility can be defined around a separate agreed scope. The objective is to make responsibilities and interfaces clear, not duplicate another organisation’s authority.

Question 9

Can Cassowary take responsibility for a specific work package?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cassowary does not need to manage an entire project. A client may engage us for a defined requirement such as procurement, transport, manufacturing support, maintenance, workforce, technology, infrastructure support or another delivery package. Several packages can also be combined where they depend on each other.

Question 10

Does Cassowary provide engineering?

Accepted Answer

Engineering can form part of a Cassowary project where required. The engineering structure depends on the discipline, project, jurisdiction and regulatory requirements. Cassowary may work with appropriately qualified engineers and engineering organisations as part of the delivery team. Professional engineering authority remains with the appropriately qualified party responsible for that work.

Question 11

Is Cassowary an EPC contractor?

Accepted Answer

Not as a fixed business model. A project may use an EPC, EPCM, managing-contractor, project-management, coordinated specialist or other delivery structure. Cassowary’s role is established around the requirement, risk allocation, responsibilities and work the client needs delivered.

Question 12

Is Cassowary a construction company?

Accepted Answer

Construction may form part of a Cassowary project, but construction alone does not define the Group. Cassowary can work across the requirements surrounding construction, including procurement, equipment, contractors, logistics, workforce, commissioning and operational establishment. Licensed or regulated construction work is undertaken by appropriately qualified parties.

Question 13

What capabilities can Cassowary Group provide?

Accepted Answer

Cassowary’s capability structure covers Procurement, Offtake & Supply; Resources & Materials; OEM & Manufacturing; Transport & Logistics; Infrastructure; Maintenance & Asset Management; Workforce & Operations; Systems & Technology; and Operational Oversight. Each capability can be used independently or several can be brought together where the work depends on them operating together.

Question 14

Does a client have to use every Cassowary capability?

Accepted Answer

No. Each capability can be used independently where the requirement is narrow. Several capabilities can be brought together where the work depends on them operating together. A transport requirement, for example, might eventually involve vehicles, maintenance, workforce and technology. A manufacturing project might involve equipment, materials, supply, transport and maintenance. The structure should reflect the work rather than the number of Cassowary capabilities available.

Question 15

Does Cassowary perform every specialist task internally?

Accepted Answer

No. Cassowary works with suppliers, manufacturers, OEMs, contractors, engineers, trades, operators and other specialist organisations. The objective is not to pretend every industrial discipline exists inside one company. Cassowary establishes what it is responsible for and brings the appropriate capability around that requirement. Specialist providers retain the professional, technical and statutory responsibilities attached to their work.

Question 16

Can Cassowary procure equipment and materials?

Accepted Answer

Yes, where procurement forms part of the agreed scope. This can include identifying suppliers, sourcing equipment or materials, supplier assessment, procurement coordination, logistics, inventory requirements and supporting commercial arrangements. The exact procurement responsibility depends on the project agreement.

Question 17

Can Cassowary establish manufacturing capability?

Accepted Answer

Cassowary can work around the requirements needed to establish or support manufacturing. That may include equipment, suppliers, materials, facilities, transport, workforce, technology, maintenance and operating support. Specialist design, engineering, certification and regulated work is undertaken by appropriately qualified providers where required.

Question 18

Can Cassowary manage transport and logistics?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Transport and logistics can be provided as a defined capability or as part of a wider industrial requirement. The work may involve freight, project logistics, fleet requirements, routes, carriers, maintenance, workforce, scheduling, supporting infrastructure and technology. Cassowary is not limited to acting as a freight broker.

Question 19

Can Cassowary provide maintenance and asset management?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Depending on the requirement, this can include maintenance planning, servicing, inspection, repairs, shutdown support, workshops, spare parts, asset records, workforce planning and lifecycle requirements. Maintenance may form a standalone scope or part of a larger operating requirement.

Question 20

Can Cassowary provide workforce?

Accepted Answer

Cassowary can establish workforce capability around work for which it has an agreed delivery or operating responsibility. This may include identifying required roles, employing personnel, establishing supervision and providing the systems and support required around the workforce. This is different from operating as a general labour-hire or recruitment agency.

Question 21

Can Cassowary provide technology and software?

Accepted Answer

Technology can form part of a Cassowary project where it supports the industrial requirement. This can include communications, information systems, operational software, data and other technology required around the work. Cassowary may develop, integrate or work with specialist technology providers depending on the requirement. Technology is a capability within the wider industrial model rather than the sole product of the Group.

Question 22

Can Cassowary work with an operation that is already running?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The existing operation does not need to be rebuilt simply because Cassowary becomes involved. We first establish what already exists, what is working and what the requirement actually is. Cassowary can then take responsibility for an agreed part of the operation or project while working with the people and providers already in place.

Question 23

Does Cassowary replace existing suppliers and contractors?

Accepted Answer

Not automatically. Existing suppliers and contractors can remain where they are suitable for the requirement. Cassowary can coordinate with them, take responsibility for another part of the work or bring additional capability where something is missing. Supplier changes should be driven by the requirement, not by a need to put a Cassowary name on everything.

Question 24

Can Cassowary join a project that is already underway?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cassowary can enter an existing project where a clear scope and interface with the current project structure can be established. This could involve one work package, several connected requirements or additional delivery capability needed by the wider project.

Question 25

Can Cassowary help when something is already holding up an operation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A client does not need to diagnose the entire problem before contacting Cassowary. The starting point may simply be a delayed project, unavailable equipment, a supply problem, maintenance constraint, contractor interface, transport issue or another requirement affecting the work. Cassowary can assess what is happening and determine whether there is a practical scope we can take responsibility for.

Question 26

Can Cassowary help establish a new industrial operation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A new operation may require equipment, materials, suppliers, infrastructure, transport, workforce, technology, maintenance and operating support before it can function. Cassowary can work across one or several of those requirements. The project structure depends on what the client has already established and what Cassowary is being asked to deliver.

Question 27

Can Cassowary remain involved after construction or commissioning?

Accepted Answer

Yes, where ongoing involvement forms part of the agreed scope. A project does not necessarily end for Cassowary when construction finishes. Depending on the requirement, our involvement may continue through commissioning, operational establishment, maintenance or ongoing operations. This is one of the areas where Cassowary’s broader model can extend beyond a conventional project-delivery engagement.

Question 28

Which industries does Cassowary work across?

Accepted Answer

Current areas of focus include Resources & Mining, Energy & Utilities, Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics, Infrastructure & Industrial Development, Data Centres & Digital Infrastructure, Agriculture & Regional Operations, and Existing Operations & Turnarounds. The same capability may be used differently in each industry.

Question 29

Can Cassowary work outside those industries?

Accepted Answer

Potentially. The published industries describe Cassowary’s current areas of focus rather than an absolute boundary. Other industrial requirements can be assessed where Cassowary can responsibly provide or coordinate the capability required. The decision depends on the work, jurisdiction, specialist requirements, regulation and available delivery capability.

Question 30

Does Cassowary take control of the client’s business?

Accepted Answer

No. Cassowary takes responsibility for the work assigned to it. The client retains the authority belonging to the client. Specialist providers retain their professional and statutory authority. The project agreement establishes the boundaries between those responsibilities.

Question 31

Who is accountable when several suppliers are involved?

Accepted Answer

Accountability depends on the agreed project structure. Where Cassowary is responsible for coordinating several suppliers within its scope, Cassowary is accountable for performing that coordination and delivery responsibility. That does not automatically transfer every supplier’s legal, professional or statutory obligations to Cassowary. Those boundaries are established in the project agreements.

Question 32

Who is responsible for licensed and regulated work?

Accepted Answer

Licensed, regulated and professional work is undertaken by appropriately qualified and authorised parties. Cassowary may engage or coordinate those parties as part of a wider scope. Their professional and statutory authority remains intact.

Question 33

When should we contact Cassowary Group?

Accepted Answer

Contact Cassowary when you have an industrial requirement that may need one or several of our capabilities. That might be a new development, an expansion, an existing operation, a defined work package, an EPCM or construction project requiring additional capability, a supply or procurement requirement, a manufacturing requirement, a transport or logistics requirement, an operational constraint, or work that crosses several suppliers or contractors. You do not need to determine the Cassowary delivery model before contacting us.

Question 34

Do we need a finished scope before contacting Cassowary?

Accepted Answer

No. Start with what you are trying to establish, change or deliver. If something is already causing a problem, explain what is happening. Cassowary can determine what additional information is required before deciding whether there is a suitable engagement.

Question 35

What happens after we contact Cassowary?

Accepted Answer

Cassowary reviews the requirement and determines whether it aligns with our capabilities. Where there is a potential fit, the next discussion establishes the work, existing project structure, responsibilities, location, timeframe, specialist requirements and commercial considerations. A formal engagement only begins once the relevant parties agree the scope and written terms.

Question 36

How does Cassowary decide which delivery model to use?

Accepted Answer

The structure depends on the work. Factors can include the required outcome, project stage, existing contracts and providers, client responsibilities, Cassowary responsibilities, specialist requirements, risk allocation, location, timeframe, procurement requirements, construction requirements, commissioning and ongoing operational requirements. Cassowary then establishes an appropriate delivery structure with the client.

Question 37

How is Cassowary’s work priced?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on the agreed scope and delivery model. Relevant factors can include personnel, equipment, procurement, mobilisation, specialist support, project duration, location and the responsibilities Cassowary is being asked to carry. Commercial terms are established before work begins.

Question 38

What size projects does Cassowary accept?

Accepted Answer

Cassowary assesses the requirement rather than applying one public project-value threshold. The assessment considers the work involved, complexity, responsibilities, commercial viability and capability required. A requirement does not need to involve every Cassowary capability to be considered.

Question 39

Does Cassowary work internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cassowary Group is Australian-based and pursues suitable industrial opportunities in Australia and international markets. Current commercial focus includes Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe. Other locations can be assessed where responsible delivery is practical.

Question 40

Does Cassowary already have offices in every country where it seeks work?

Accepted Answer

No. A market being pursued is not the same as an established office. Cassowary can assess and develop an international opportunity before establishing permanent local presence. Where sustained work requires local establishment, the appropriate structure is developed around the project and jurisdiction.

Question 41

Does Cassowary employ locally on international projects?

Accepted Answer

The preferred long-term model is to establish local capability where the scale and duration of the work supports it. That can include local employees, suppliers, contractors, manufacturers and professional services. The structure depends on the project and local legal requirements.

Question 42

What is the difference between a supplier and a Commercial Partner?

Accepted Answer

A supplier provides products, materials, equipment, services or specialist capability used in delivery. A Commercial Partner identifies and introduces suitable clients, projects or commercial opportunities. These are separate relationships. An organisation may potentially perform both roles under separate agreements.

Question 43

Does registering as a supplier guarantee work?

Accepted Answer

No. Registration allows Cassowary to assess the organisation and its capability. It does not guarantee approval, preferred status, purchase orders or future work.

Question 44

What types of suppliers does Cassowary work with?

Accepted Answer

Depending on project requirements, Cassowary may work with manufacturers, OEMs, material suppliers, transport operators, contractors, maintenance providers, engineers, trades, workforce specialists, technology providers, professional advisers and other specialist industrial providers.

Question 45

What does a Commercial Partner do?

Accepted Answer

A Commercial Partner identifies and introduces suitable commercial opportunities. Cassowary assesses the requirement and determines whether and how it should participate. Any authority, responsibilities or commercial arrangements applying to the Commercial Partner are established in the relevant written agreement.

Question 46

Are all projects shown on the website operational?

Accepted Answer

No. Every public Cassowary project displays its current stage. Stages may include Concept, Development, Planning, Procurement, Delivery, Commissioning, Operational and Completed. A concept or development project should not be interpreted as an operating asset or completed client engagement.

Question 47

Why are some projects not shown publicly?

Accepted Answer

Some client and project information may be confidential or commercially sensitive. Cassowary only publishes project information where it is appropriate and authorised to do so.

Question 48

Should we send confidential project information through the website?

Accepted Answer

No. Initial enquiries should contain enough information for Cassowary to understand the general requirement without including unnecessary confidential, commercially sensitive or protected material. Where further information is required, Cassowary can establish the appropriate confidentiality and information-sharing arrangements.

About Cassowary Group

Project Delivery and EPCM

What Cassowary Can Deliver

Existing Operations

New Developments

Industries

Responsibility and Authority

Engaging Cassowary

International Work

Suppliers and Commercial Partners

Project Information

Confidentiality

Still have a question?