Camden Airport – Aircraft Refueling System

Civilcraft was engaged by MorPro to deliver a new aircraft refuelling facility for tenants at Camden Airport, an airfield supporting aircraft maintenance, flight training, gliding, and recreational and charter operations. The project aimed to provide a purpose-built drive-in facility capable of efficiently servicing the wide variety of aircraft that operate daily from this facility.

Scope of works included:

• Installation of stormwater infrastructure, including precast pits, pipework, and a Enviro OE30 oily water separation system to manage runoff from the refuelling area.
• Excavation and construction of heavy-duty asphalt pavement, designed to accommodate refuelling vehicles and a wide variety of aircraft movements.
• Construction of reinforced concrete slabs and edge beams to support the modular fuel storage and dispensing units supplied by IOR.
• Installation of concrete containment elements, including a flush kerb perimeter around the facility to provide structural definition and manage surface flows.
• Construction of pavement layers comprising select fill, roadbase, primer seal and asphalt to create a durable apron suitable for aircraft and refuelling vehicles.
• Reinstatement of new and existing airside linemarking in accordance with CASA regulations and apron layout requirements.
• Reshaping and stabilisation of perimeter batters, including topsoiling and turfing to restore the surrounding landscape and ensure long-term erosion control.
• Specialised crane lifting operations for placement of precast stormwater assets and modular fuel units, executed under strict airside safety control

Despite the complexities of working within an operational airport environment, Civilcraft successfully managed all risks and constraints through close coordination with Aeria Management Group, ensuring strict adherence to WHS, environmental, and quality protocols.

Key challenges and achievements included:

• Managing works within an active airside environment, including close coordination with AMG to maintain safe access around live taxiways, aprons, and the runway.
• Maintaining operational continuity for existing tenants and aviation service providers, including the NSW Rural Fire Service, through staged works and effective communication.
• Overcoming geotechnical issues, notably high groundwater levels that influenced excavation sequencing, dewatering requirements, and foundation preparation.
• Executing high-risk lifting activities for both stormwater infrastructure and the modular fuel facility, requiring precise planning, exclusion zones, and strict WHS oversight.
• Achieving zero lost-time incidents, demonstrating strong adherence to Civilcraft’s Integrated Management System (IMS) and commitment to safety, quality, and environmental performance.