Western Australia is in the middle of a once-in-a-generation infrastructure boom, and few projects capture its scale quite like the Perth Airport redevelopment.
Described as the largest private infrastructure investment in the state’s history, the multi-billion-dollar program is reshaping WA’s aviation capacity with a new terminal, a new parallel runway, upgraded roads, and supporting infrastructure that will serve the state for decades to come.
Behind a project of this magnitude sits an enormous amount of work that most travellers will never see. Before terminals rise and runways are laid, the ground beneath has to be understood, protected, and prepared. This is where specialist vacuum excavation contractors like iVac WA play a critical and often underappreciated role.
Why vacuum excavation matters on major infrastructure
A site the scale of Perth Airport is crossed by a dense network of underground services. Power, communications, water, drainage, and fuel infrastructure all share the ground, often in close proximity and frequently in locations that do not perfectly match historical plans.
Striking one of these services with traditional mechanical excavation can be catastrophic on a live, operational airport. The consequences range from safety incidents and environmental breaches through to costly delays and disruption to airport operations. On a project where precision and continuity are paramount, that is a risk that cannot be taken.
Vacuum excavation, also known as non-destructive digging, removes that risk. Using high-pressure water or compressed air combined with powerful suction, the method loosens and lifts soil without the impact of a steel bucket. Buried services can be located and exposed with precision and left completely intact, giving engineers and contractors certainty about exactly what lies beneath before any major works begin.
iVac WA’s Role at Perth Airport
iVac WA has been engaged across 2025 and 2026 to deliver vacuum excavation and non-destructive digging across the Perth Airport precinct, working alongside leading civil contractor Georgiou. Operating in and around an active international airport demands strict safety compliance, careful coordination, and the kind of precision that only non-destructive methods can deliver.
Alongside the planned civil works, iVac WA has been on standby through the winter months to remove water from heavy rain, and has responded to emergencies on site as they arise. On a site where flooding or a damaged service can disrupt operations, having a crew and trucks ready to mobilise at short notice is a critical part of keeping the airport running.
The planned scope has spanned utility location, trenching, footings, reticulation works, and drainage maintenance, often running multiple trucks on site across consecutive days to keep the civil program moving to schedule.
Key works delivered
Round-the-clock response to a sewer main strike. When a sewer main line was struck during site works, iVac WA crews operated around the clock to remove the waste and liquid, containing the spill and keeping the area safe and compliant until repairs were complete.
Emergency callout on a live firewater hydrant. A Saturday callout to safely remove water from a live firewater hydrant, with the crew on site for 11 hours to resolve the issue and keep critical fire infrastructure protected.
Wet weather standby. Standby through the winter periods to extract water after heavy rain, keeping work areas, pits and access routes clear so the program could keep moving.
Trenching and footings at Long Term Car Park G. A sustained program of vac trenching for ACO drainage and vac excavation of footings through limestone, sand, and crushed rock, with up to two trucks running simultaneously across consecutive days to accelerate the works.
Non-destructive digging over a live sewer line. Precise NDD at Long Term Car Park G, excavating a one metre by one metre by one metre section through pavement directly over a live sewer line, exposing it safely without any strike.
Reticulation sleeve extensions and bollard installation. Multi-day works extending reticulation sleeves and excavating bollard holes to exact dimensions, delivered across multiple trucks to meet the construction timeline.
Drainage jetting around the active terminal. High-pressure jetting to flush drainage lines and clean pits in and around the operational terminal, keeping the airport’s stormwater infrastructure flowing at full capacity.
Across these works, iVac WA deployed a range of mine and civil spec units, including the THOR combo truck, Goliath, Vacvator, and STG vacuum trucks, matched to the ground conditions and access on each task.
Building WA’s future, safely
As Western Australia continues to invest in the infrastructure that will support its economic and population growth, the demand for safe, precise, and compliant excavation will only increase. Projects like the Perth Airport redevelopment demonstrate how specialist capability, delivered by experienced local operators, underpins the success of the state’s largest builds.
For iVac WA, a locally owned and operated business, contributing to a project of this significance reflects the trust placed in the company to deliver safe, accurate work on WA’s most important infrastructure. It sits alongside a growing portfolio of major project involvement across civil construction, mining, defence, and government sectors throughout the state.
To learn more about iVac WA and its vacuum excavation, non-destructive digging, and liquid waste services across Western Australia, visit www.ivacwa.com.au or call (08) 6205 9986.
Editorial note: This article and its content were produced by a sponsor.