Airport Runway Upgrade – Deniliquin Airport

Project Overview

Client: Edward River Council  |  Location: Deniliquin Airport  |  Role: Project management and superintendent – runway, taxiway and lighting upgrades

Before rebranding as In8, Curry Project Management oversaw the upgrade of Deniliquin Airport. The project aimed to enhance runway and taxiway performance, modernise aeronautical ground lighting and improve the safety and reliability of airport operations. Under the In8 brand, this project demonstrates our capability to manage aviation infrastructure upgrades in regional settings, with a strong focus on safety, compliance and constructability.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Coordinating enhancement of the existing 06/24 runway and taxiway to improve bearing capacity, surface condition and safety for current and future aircraft operations.
• Managing installation of a new Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) system, including a lighting control cubicle and associated cabling and infrastructure to support night and low-visibility operations.
• Overseeing installation of new LED luminaires for the Illuminated Wind Direction Indicator (IWDI) and apron floodlights, improving visibility, safety and energy efficiency.

Specific Responsibilities Under the Contract

The project management team was responsible for:

• Managing demolition and removal of existing runway and taxiway pavements where required, as well as apron floodlighting luminaires, drainage components, fencing sections and electrical cabling to prepare for new works.
• Supervising construction of new runway, taxiway, clearway and Runway End Safety Area (RESA) pavements, including in-situ stabilisation of subgrade and base courses to meet design and safety standards.
• Coordinating installation of the new AGL system, apron floodlighting, IWDI luminaires and new runway and taxiway markings in accordance with aviation regulations and technical specifications.
• Overseeing decommissioning and removal of the existing AGL lighting control cabinet and managing installation of upgraded control infrastructure for improved airport operations.

Procurement, Delivery & Site Management

Procurement was managed through a transparent, competitive tender process to secure suitably qualified contractors and high-quality materials. In8 (then Curry Project Management) prepared tender documentation, supported evaluation and provided recommendations to the Principal in line with council procurement policies.

During delivery, In8 coordinated airside works to minimise disruption to airport operations and maintain safety. Responsibilities included:

• Enforcing project-specific and aviation safety protocols for airside construction activities.
• Supervising contractor performance and verifying compliance with design and specification.
• Monitoring program and budget, adjusting staging as required to maintain operational continuity.

Submissions & Compliance

In8 ensured that all submissions adhered to aviation standards and local regulations, including:

• Preparation and submission of detailed design documents, staging plans and technical reports for review and approval.
• Coordination with aviation authorities and local government to maintain alignment with operational and safety standards.
• Compilation of progress reports and compliance checklists, ensuring documentation was accurate, timely and audit-ready.

Contractor Coordination

The project management team ensured that the contractor:

• Established a secure work compound, cleared the site and completed all preparatory activities, including detailed surveys and confirmation of existing services in consultation with relevant authorities.
• Managed on-site waste removal and disposal in accordance with environmental requirements, keeping the airside environment safe and tidy.
• Completed construction of new pavements and installation of lighting systems, followed by full testing and commissioning to meet aviation safety and operational requirements.
• Prepared and submitted comprehensive as-built records documenting completed works, changes and final levels/locations for pavements and lighting infrastructure.
• Restored disturbed areas and ensured the site was left in a clean, functional state at completion, with no adverse environmental or operational impacts.

As-Built Construction Data

In8 ensured thorough, accurate as-built construction records were maintained, including:

• Updated drawings and data reflecting any design changes made during construction.
• Survey information for pavement levels, RESA geometry and lighting positions.
• Technical data and certificates for AGL components, luminaires and electrical systems.

As-built records were submitted to the Principal in the required electronic format, supporting final assessments, payment processing and future maintenance of the upgraded infrastructure.

Outcomes

By managing the Deniliquin Airport upgrade with a strong focus on safety, precision and compliance with aviation standards, In8 (formerly Curry Project Management) delivered a modernised and resilient airside environment. The upgraded runway and taxiway, new AGL system and improved apron lighting provide a safer, more reliable platform for current operations and future growth in regional aviation services.