Build your career with Cape

Seek us out at this year’s SkillsWest Careers & Employment Expo from the 25 to 27 August at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre at stands 48 – 52 to see what employment opportunities, graduate programs and ongoing training is available in the resources industry with Cape. It’s free to enter and caters to school leavers, graduates, job seekers and workers seeking new training options. For more information about the expo http://skillswestexpo.com.au/.

If you cannot make the SkillsWest Careers & Employment Expo, you can still view what job opportunities are currently available or contact us for further enquiries.

We hope to see you there.

Dunstans Construction Group awarded design and construction contract for East Grampians Pipeline Project

A Joint Venture (JV) between Wangaratta-based Dunstans Construction Group (Dunstans) and leading WA utilities services provider, Cape, have been awarded a $70 million contract to design and construct the East Grampians Pipeline Project to provide a reticulated water supply to up to 1500 rural properties in the Eastern Grampians region.

The project, led by GWMWater, will install more than 1400 kilometres of HDPE pipeline to farms in a 70km wide strip from Stawell in the north to Lake Bolac in the South.

The 18-month construction program is expected to commence in the second half of 2020, and will employ up to 70 people peak construction. Fourteen pump stations will also be fabricated and assembled locally, ensuring the highest quality.

“We are absolutely committed to utilising the skills of local employees, subcontractors and suppliers wherever possible,” said Cape Chief Executive Officer Greg Hutchinson.

“This is a fantastic project and initiative to be involved with, and we are proud to have been awarded the design and construction contract. Working closely with local community and stakeholders, with assistance from our joint venture partner, Cape, we are looking forward to delivering on this project,” Dunstans Managing Director Murray Dunstan said.

The bulk of the construction will utilise an ‘EcoPlough’, a patented plough designed and built by Cape, as well as utilising Dunstans’ and Cape’s horizontal directional drilling expertise.

The EcoPlough improves efficiency and minimises disturbance to the surrounding environment compared to a traditional excavated trench.

“The EcoPlough patented technology is unique to Cape and has had ten years of ongoing engineering development as part of the Cape R&D program,” Mr Hutchinson said.

“Similar to no-till cropping, the EcoPlough utilises a trenchless technique which is one of the most environmentally friendly options to install an underground pipeline. This minimises the impact on paddocks and access routes where the pipe will be laid.”

Dunstans and Cape will work together through the planning approvals and design prior to commencing construction. The collaboration on this project follows the formation of the JV between the two companies last August.

A community engagement team will be established to ensure there is an open dialogue between rural stakeholders and the project team. The preliminary design work will incorporate all the properties within the footprint, to establish a timeline for construction that will ensure minimal disturbance to local landholders and farmers.

“We are conscious of the sensitivities, works such as pipelines can cause local landholders and farmers,” Mr Hutchinson said. “So we will use existing boundary fencelines and existing access routes wherever possible.”

CAPE Secures Rio Tinto Miscellaneous Services Package

Mining and utilities services company CAPE has announced it has been awarded a contract by Rio Tinto in relation to its Robe Valley Sustaining Project located approximately 140 kilometres south west of Karratha in the Pilbara.

The scope of the contract includes:

  • relocation and modifications to existing electrical services;
  • installation pf both overhead and underground 33kV powerlines;
  • installation of pole and pad mounted transformers;
  • construction of waste fines pipelines;
  • realignment of existing raw water services;
  • horizontal directional drilling below live rail lines;
  • installation of communication infrastructure; and
  • removal and decommissioning of existing underground services

The contract is valued at approximately $12 million dollars will take 6 months to complete with a peak workforce head count of 36.

CAPE’s CEO Greg Hutchinson said it’s a great Project and the contract is well suited to CAPE’s service offering.

“It is very pleasing to be awarded this contract which is highly technical and will require significant interface management as we will be working in a live brownfields environment.”  Mr Hutchinson said.

“This contract will draw on CAPE’s extensive underground services pedigree encompassing power, water and communications infrastructure as well as civil and HDD. We look forward to working in partnership with Rio Tinto on the Project.”   

CAPE Appoints new Chief Executive Officer – Greg Hutchinson

Date: 07.10.19

CAPE Appoints New Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Greg Hutchinson

Leading utilities infrastructure and mining services company Cape is pleased to announce a key milestone in the Company’s leadership succession plan, with company co-founder Peter Rowles stepping down as CEO to be replaced by Chief Operations Officer Greg Hutchinson.

Mr Hutchinson will commence as CEO on Monday October 7th.  Mr Rowles will remain with the Company, working on special projects such as maximising opportunities presented by the recent acquisition of the Dunstans Construction Group business in Victoria.

CFC Chairman Philip Cardaci said Mr Rowles’ contribution to Cape was enduring.

“Peter’s impact on the business, from establishing the Underground business which later was incorporated into Cape, to turning around Cape’s operational performance after a significant downturn, cannot be overstated,” Mr Cardaci said.

“He regenerated the team, broadened our customer based, improved our safety performance and increased our safety visibility both internally and externally.

“In addition, he rejuvenated our plant – selling off underutilised assets and purchasing new and fit-for-purpose equipment required by our customers.”

Mr Cardaci said that since joining Cape in July 2018 Greg had demonstrated that he was an ideal replacement CEO when Peter stepped down from the role.

“Greg has been leading Cape’s day-to-day business operations, with a focus on creating sustainable success for our clients through fit-for-purpose planning and constructive consultation,” he said.

“He has proven himself to be an excellent business leader with a focus on delivering high quality outcomes for our clients and will continue to drive Cape’s upward trajectory.”

Greg has more than 20 years’ experience in the engineering construction industry across infrastructure, resource and energy sectors, in Australia and internationally.

Prior to joining Cape Greg has held senior positions at BGC, NRW and Ertech (FormAction).

Cape and Dunstans Join Forces to Expand

Two of Australia’s leading utilities infrastructure and mining services companies, WA-based Cape and Victorian-based Dunstans Construction Group (Dunstans), have formed a joint venture (JV) to expand their service offering to clients.

The formation of the JV was made possible after Cape’s owner, the CFC Group, made an investment in the Dunstans business.

Although the two companies will continue to operate as separate entities, they will work together on larger projects, sharing expertise and equipment to seek and deliver larger projects across Australia, while offering greater career opportunities for staff.

The tie up will also expand each company’s service offering and capacity.

Dunstans operates in the transportation, infrastructure, resources and energy sectors, with an impressive record of design and construct projects. It was established in 1950 and operates from Wangaratta, Victoria.

Cape’s expertise includes civil construction, mining services and installation and maintenance of underground utilities.

Collectively Cape and Dunstans now have the largest fleet of operating horizontal directional drilling equipment in Australia, as well as an impressive pipeline and cable ploughing fleet. This is underpinned by an imposing project resume

“When you consider the number of large and small contracts successfully delivered by Cape and Dunstans, it is an imposing project resume,” said Cape CEO Peter Rowles.

Dunstans Owner Murray Dunstan said the opportunity to join forces with Cape is exciting.

“We have collaborated and competed for the same types of projects over a number of years, so we are well placed to bring both businesses together when joint venture opportunities present themselves,” he said. “We are ready to service the growing resources, utilities and energy markets with state of the art equipment and very experienced team.”

Cape CEO Peter Rowles said both companies would pursue opportunities collectively and individually, while harnessing the operational expertise and IP that resides in each organisation.

“Clients will benefit from the operational and cost synergies that will be achieved through an integrated national leadership team and sharing of best practice, systems and innovation,” Mr Rowles said.

Additional Information

  • Dunstans is a third generation, family-owned leading company providing design, engineering, construction and maintenance services to the resources, energy and infrastructure sectors. Operating since 1950.  http://www.Dunstans.com.au/
  • Cape is a trusted and respected Western Australian company that has been operating for 30 years across Australia. Expertise covers civil construction, mining services and installation and maintenance of underground utilities. www.cape.com.au
  • CFC Group is a unique diversified group of businesses with interests in distribution, supply chain logistics and specialised mining, infrastructure and utility services. www.cfc.com.au

CAPE Appoints New General Manager People & Process – Phil Scott

We are pleased to announce that Phil Scott has been appointed as General Manager People & Process CAPE.

With almost 15 years of Human Resources, Business and Management experience, Phil brings with him proven success in a number of senior positions with demonstrated capability in driving organisational change, building high performing teams and executing strategic plans.

Cape’s CEO Peter Rowles said the appointment is critical to Cape’s growth strategy.

“In line with our business plan and growth strategy we see our ability to attract, retain and develop people as being an absolute critical factor for the overall success of Cape.” Mr Rowles said

“Having Phil on board will ensure we give this our very best effort as the business continues to grow and evolve. Securing Phil’s services is a great result for our business”

CAPE Wins 2019 CCF WA Earth Award

The Earth Award for projects valued up to $2 million was won by Cape Utilities for the installation of a 450mm PE Wastewater Pressure Main Upgrade for the Water Corporation.  The pipeline corridor passed through a Bush Forever site that is also a wetlands catchment. 

To minimise the need for clearing and disturbance of potential acid sulphate soil, Cape’s EcoPlough was chosen as the most environmentally friendly option to install the pipeline underground. Cape achieved a first for WA by installing a large diameter, high wall thickness PE pipeline with a high degree of accuracy. Through the constant diligence of all involved, the Cape team accomplished the complicated project through a highly important sensitive ecosystem with no environmental impact. 

Cape is proud to be the first in WA to install DN450 pipe via plough methodology which is a great engineering and innovation feet. To our knowledge this is also the first time pipe of this size has been ploughed in to grade for sewer/waste water applications within Australia.

The EcoPlough patented proven technology is unique to Cape and has had 10 years of ongoing engineering development as part of the Cape R&D program. The EcoPlough adopts a trenchless technique, installing pipes and cables of up to 450 millimetres in diameter. The pipe or cable is laid immediately behind a specifically designed ploughing blade at an installation rate of up to 1,000 metres per hour in ideal ground conditions.

The EcoPlough is significantly superior from dozers which have been modified with plough attachments and offers the following advantages:

  • Hydro Static
    • The EcoPlough is hydro static giving the operator infinite control thereby reducing the stress on the pipe during installation.
  • Production Efficiency
    • Capable of up to 1000m per hour in optimum ground conditions.
  • Safety & Environmental Gains
    • Minimum ground disruption requiring only a <10m corridor to operate
    • The EcoPlough has been designed as a Low Group Pressure machine, allowing minimal disturbance of top soil
    • Reduced personnel and additional machinery required therefore reducing overall safety risk
  • GPS Enabled
    • Measures lateral and depth of cable producing As-Con drawings

The EcoPlough delivers many benefits including increased safety with less personnel / heavy equipment interaction, reduced environmental impact from a reduced footprint and low ground pressure as well as increased speed and cost effectiveness.

Innovation is part of our DNA and we are very proud to be the first in WA to plough DN450 pipe utilising our Eco Plough technology

KCU JV Secures the Rio Tinto Koodaideri Rail Optical Fibre Project

The Kurtarra Cape Joint Venture (KCU) has announced it has secured a contract in install 170km of optical fibre as part of the construction of a new rail spur to connect the Koodaideri mine to the existing Rio Tinto Rail network.

The fibre optic cable will be installed utilising Cape’s Eco Plough which adopts an efficient trenchless technique, minimising ground disturbance especially in environmentally sensitive areas.

KCU’s director Garry Jaffrey said it was a great achievement for the JV.

“We are delighted to secure this project with Rio Tinto and participate in the development of the Koodiaderi project. KCU has been operating for 4 years and continues to grow. It’s a great result for all involved and positions the business for exciting times ahead”.

Cape’s CEO Peter Rowles said it is pleasing to see the JV continue to diversify its customer base.  

“KCU has been delivering sustaining capital and dewatering contracts in the Pilbara for the past 5 years, it has been satisfying to see the business continue to grow and diversify its customer base.  

The project award with Rio Tinto is a significant milestone for the team and one we are all very proud of.”

Kurtarra Cape USA JV Pty Ltd (KCU), a fully incorporated 50/50 joint venture was established in 2015 and is currently registered with Supply Nation and qualifies as a Pilbara Aboriginal Business.

Kurtarra was established in 2012, and is a 100% aboriginal family owned company by the Jaffrey Sam family who originate from the Palkyu area in the Pilbara of Western Australia. Kurtarra provides aboriginal recruitment and labour services as well as training, mentoring, coaching and pastoral care for Aboriginal employees

CAPE Secures Pumping & Piping Package

CAPE has announced it has been awarded the D6 Dam and Mine Infrastructure Project at Newmont’s Boddington mine

The overall project scope is to deliver a seven gigalitre water storage facility and includes: supply and construction of five pumping stations complete with more than 15 pumps, electrical works, supply and install a 2000m3 panel storage tank, civil and bulk earthworks as well as the supply and construction of over 30km of large bore HDPE and MSCL pipelines up to DN800.

CAPE’s CEO Peter Rowles said it’s great to secure repeat work from Newmont Goldcorp Australia

“CAPE has been engaged at the Boddington site undertaking trenching and drainage works and it pleasing to be awarded this new package of works.” Mr Rowles said.

“Newmont is a great client to work with and our team’s performance in relation to project delivery and safety at Boddington has strengthened our relationship with Newmont, culminating in this new project award.

Come Visit Us at Diggers & Dealers 2019

With over 30 years’ experience, CAPE is the expert in meeting your crushing and screening needs.

Come visit us at Diggers & Dealers in Kalgoorlie from August 5 – August 7, 2019.

Greg Hutchinson, Jason Curtis and Kelvin Kennard will be attending and are looking forward to engaging with current and future clients.

Click here for more information and to connect with our Team:
https://cape.com.au/diggers-and-dealers/

740 Ejector Trucks – A Safer Way

Cat 740 Ejector Trucks are designed to minimise the risk of rollover, allow for better control and a more even material delivery to the ground. Offering the ability to deliver material on the run enables increased production outcomes and cost efficiency through improved cycle times.

Ejector trucks are designed to dump material from the rear without raising the body which offers a safer and more versatile material distribution. The trucks can work safely on inclines and very soft conditions as well as offering effectively no carry-back, further enhancing payload productivity.

Cape boasts a fleet of 9 x 740 Ejector Trucks which are available for wet or dry hire.

If you would like more information about hire options please contact Rob Tindall at tenders@cape.com.au

740 ejector trucks

Kurtarra Purchases New Grader

john deere grader

In May 2019 Garry Jaffrey Managing Director of Kurarra, took possession of a John Deere Grader which was purchased directly by Kurtarra.

Kurtarra a 100% owned aboriginal family business was formed in 2012 when the Jaffrey-Sam family from the Palyku tribal area came together to discuss how they could support their elders and leave a legacy for future generations.

Cape has been in partnership with Kurtarra through the KCUJV for 4 years during which time the partnership has allowed for an increase in both financial and operational capability for the Kurtarra team, culminating in the purchase on the new Grader this year.

This is a great milestone for our JV partner Kurtarra as this is their first major piece of heavy plant and equipment purchased directly by the business. Underpinning the Kurtarra business with revenue generating assets was a key strategic outcome when the JV was initially formed.

 Plans are already underway for the purchase of  second grader within the next financial year to continue the journey and allows Kurtarra to pursue further opportunities directly outside the JV.   

We are looking forward to the Kurtarra Grader going to work at the JV’s FMG dewatering operations and are very proud of the collective achievement.