How to Relocate Modular Buildings in Remote WA – Key Considerations

Relocating a modular building in remote Western Australia can be a smart, sustainable choice. Rather than building new structures for each project, companies often reuse and relocate modular units – saving time and money and reducing waste. But moving a building across WA’s vast outback is no simple task. It requires careful planning, coordination and technical know-how. Here, we outline the key considerations to ensure a smooth modular relocation, drawing on Remote Group WA’s experience successfully relocating and installing modular buildings across the state.

Understand the Why and When of Relocation

First, clarify why the modular building is being relocated and the context of the move. Common scenarios in WA include mining or resource projects where a fly-in fly-out (FIFO) camp is no longer needed at one site and can be redeployed to another. Reusing existing infrastructure makes sense when a project winds down – for example, moving extra accommodation from a completed project in the Pilbara to a new exploration camp in the Goldfields. It’s cost-effective and environmentally responsible (recycling buildings avoids sending materials to waste). However, ensure the unit’s condition and design suit the new purpose. A building designed as an office might need modifications to serve as a crib room, for instance. Early in planning, inspect the structure’s integrity and layout to confirm it meets the new site’s needs and any updated regulations.

Another consideration is timing. Coordinate the relocation when it will cause minimal disruption. For instance, if relocating facilities within an active mine site, plan around operations to maintain safety and productivity. Seasonal weather is also crucial – heavy rain or cyclone seasons can make remote roads impassable. In WA’s north, dry season moves are preferable to avoid supply road closures. By understanding the “why and when,” you set a solid foundation for a successful relocation.

Regulatory Approvals and Compliance

Relocating a modular building doesn’t bypass regulations. In fact, you may need fresh approvals as if it were a new build. Check with local shire councils or authorities about building permits for the new location. Western Australia’s building code requirements (wind ratings, cyclone ratings, Bushfire Attack Level in prone areas, etc.) must be met at the new site just as they were at the original site. If the building was constructed to an older code or different region’s standards, you might need upgrades – for example, additional fire protection or structural reinforcements – to comply with the new location’s rules.

Early in the process, engage a building surveyor or certifier (Remote Group WA often handles design documentation and certification as part of their service) to identify any compliance gaps. This includes checking the building’s engineering against the new site’s wind region and terrain category, as well as insulation and energy requirements for that climate zone. Addressing these compliance considerations upfront prevents headaches down the track when the building is inspected or occupied.

Heritage or environmental approvals may also come into play depending on the site. Ensure any land clearing or site works for the relocated building are approved and confirm that moving the structure won’t violate any lease agreements (important on mining tenements). In essence: treat a relocation with the same due diligence as a new construction – because the authorities will too.

Site Preparation at the New Location

One common mistake is underestimating the site preparation needed at the new location. Even though the building is pre-built, the new site must be ready to receive it. That starts with a thorough site assessment: soil tests, grading and leveling and marking out services. Civil works are often required (yes, even for a modular move) to prepare a stable, safe foundation – whether that’s compacted gravel pads, new concrete footings, or tie-down points anchored into the ground. Don’t assume you can drop a building on an unprepared patch of dirt. In remote WA, ground conditions vary widely (from sandy coastal plains to rocky outcrops), so your approach must be site-specific.

Consider access: create or confirm roads and clearances for heavy vehicles and cranes. If the new spot is tucked behind existing infrastructure, will a 200-tonne crane be able to manoeuvre the module into place? Remove any obstacles like fences or vegetation in the path. Also plan for laydown areas where modules, trucks and equipment can be staged during the installation.

Underground services are another key part of site prep. Trenches for power, water, sewage and data should be excavated in advance, or at least conduits laid, so that once the building arrives it can be connected quickly. Remote Group WA’s integrated team often handles these preparations – from civil earthworks to plumbing and electrical – ensuring the site is fully prepared to “plug and play” the relocated units.

Finally, if the new site is in a bushfire-prone area or a high-wind zone, additional site measures might be needed. This could include clearing fire breaks around the perimeter or installing windbreaks. At a recent project in Sunrise Dam (a remote gold mine in WA), RGWA’s team had to meet strict bushfire compliance, which meant careful attention to clearing vegetation and installing fire-fighting equipment when expanding the modular village. Those kinds of considerations equally apply when you relocate a building into the bush.

Logistics: Transport and Handling

Moving modular buildings across Western Australia is a logistical ballet. You’re dealing with oversized loads on long outback roads – which means permits, pilot vehicles, scheduling and safety are paramount. A detailed transport plan should map the route from point A to B, noting any narrow bridges, low-clearance powerlines, or weight-limited roads. In some cases, especially for very large modules, rail or barge transport might be options for part of the journey (for example, barging to a coastal community or railing to the Pilbara).

Engage transport specialists who are experienced in heavy haulage. In WA, moving a 6-metre-wide accommodation module can require road closures or traveling at specific times (like early morning convoys to avoid traffic). The logistics plan will coordinate crane operations too – loading the module at its origin and unloading at the destination. Make sure cranes of adequate capacity are available at both ends and that ground conditions at the site can support crane outriggers (if not, mats or pads may be needed).

Safety is non-negotiable during these moves. All teams involved should follow strict safety plans – think of things like securing loose items in the building, ensuring no personnel enter modules while being lifted and managing fatigue for drivers on long hauls. Remote Group WA’s project managers, for instance, serve as a single point of contact to oversee these logistics, coordinating between transport companies, on-site crews and the client. This central coordination helps anticipate issues like weather delays or road permit timing and adjust the plan proactively.

Decommissioning and Reinstallation

Relocation actually involves two build processes: taking the structure out of its current service and then reinstalling it at the new site. The first step – decommissioning – means safely disconnecting and dismantling anything necessary. All utilities must be shut off (power isolated, pipes drained) and disconnected by licensed trades. In some cases, modules are designed to be separable sections; ensure you have the original plans or an understanding of the connection points. Remove any additions or ancillary structures (such as verandas, staircases, skirting) and pack or label them for reassembly later.

If the building has been in place for years, expect a bit of work to get it moving. Bolts can seize, weatherproofing materials like sealants may need cutting and components might need reinforcement for the journey. It’s wise to have replacement parts (like new bolts, brackets, sealants) on hand for reinstallation, because some original parts might not be reusable. Likewise, any cosmetic elements might need touch-ups after the move – paint can scratch, panels can dent during transport – so plan for a maintenance/repair step at the new site.

During reinstallation, follow a methodical approach: position modules accurately according to the new site plan (surveyors can help with setting out critical location points if needed), then reconnect all the pieces. Leveling and anchoring are crucial – ensure each module is level on its footings or supports and secure it against wind uplift per engineering specifications. After the shell is in place, all those services (electrical, water, sewer, communications) have to be reconnected. This is where having an integrated crew shines: electricians, plumbers and carpenters work in concert to get the facility up and running. On one RGWA project, for example, their team handled everything from utility reticulation to reinstalling a sliding gate at the camp’s entrance – covering civil, electrical, plumbing and more in one go. It meant that once the buildings were placed, the camp was operational without waiting on separate subcontractors.

Finally, testing and commissioning the relocated building ensures everything works as intended. Lights on? Water hot? Fire alarms communicating? Do a full check and fix any issues. Only then can you confidently welcome occupants or users back in.

Stakeholder Communication and Community Awareness

Any remote project involves various stakeholders – from the client and end-users (like mine operators or community members) to local authorities and even nearby communities. When relocating a building, keep all stakeholders informed. If moving buildings off a mine site, coordinate with the mine’s management for site access and work permits. If hauling a large module through a small town, notify the community ahead of time – this shows respect and avoids surprise roadblocks.

Community awareness is especially important if the relocation impacts a local town or indigenous land. Engaging early and respecting local protocols can prevent conflicts. For instance, heavy haulage on local roads may need consultation with the shire and local police. By being transparent about the move schedule and addressing any concerns (like road safety or noise), you maintain good community relations – a value that companies like RGWA uphold so they are “welcomed back wherever we’ve been”.

On the flip side, don’t forget internal communication: ensure your own team and contractors are all on the same page with the plan. Regular project meetings leading up to the move help iron out details and assign responsibilities clearly, eliminating confusion during execution.

The Bottom Line

Relocating modular buildings in remote WA is absolutely feasible – and often the smartest way to rapidly establish infrastructure for the next project. By considering the factors above – from regulatory compliance and site prep to logistics and stakeholder communication – you can mitigate risks and ensure the move is a success. The key is a holistic, well-managed approach.

Remote Group WA (RGWA) has honed this process through years of relocating and installing modules in outback conditions. With a dedicated project manager coordinating all trades and stages and an integrated crew that can “handle it all” (from concrete footings to final fit-out), RGWA ensures that nothing is left to chance. The result? Your modular building arrives at its new home ready to serve, with the same standards of safety, quality and comfort as before – just a new address on the WA map.