Combatting contaminated lands: Meet Peter Brogan
Peter has more than 20 years’ experience specialising in contaminated land management, hazardous building materials, decommissioning assets and property portfolio management.
From assessment and remediation projects for Defence, to other large-scale remediation projects across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, his work continues to make a lasting impact on history and communities.
A core leader in AECOM’s Defence Environment team, Peter also brings diverse experience from working across utilities and government organisations, where he became adept at navigating mature frameworks and robust systems. He is highly experienced in managing large teams and complex programmes of work.
Peter is a people person who, above all, thrives on getting the job done while always keeping the best interests of his clients and team top of mind.
What have been the most rewarding projects you’ve worked on in your career?
One that stands out was an assessment project that required stepping back in time. I was part researcher, part historian, diving into archives to piece together history about the site. As an author, I was hands on uncovering records, piecing them together and analysing risks. It was challenging, detailed work that demanded both problem solving and persistence.
I’ve also been fortunate to work on many large-scale assessment programs and remediation projects, which are technically challenging and often involve risky scenarios. One example is an asbestos remediation project. While these projects can be complex, they’re also incredibly rewarding because of the variety and very tangible public health outcomes for communities. I’ve had similar experiences in the utilities sector, where leading major programmes carried the same mix of complexity and community impact. Those roles broadened my perspective and strengthened my ability to adapt approaches across different industries.
What skills do you draw on most when leading Defence projects?
Communication is critical. Defence has processes to follow, layers of responsibility, and representatives from different backgrounds, so communication, both written and verbal, must be clear and precise.
Defence is also very mature in how it manages land, with established guidelines and policies that must be followed carefully. Having an experienced team around me is key, and for new team members, we always hold onboarding meetings to set expectations and align on processes from the start. That foundation sets everyone up for success.
How do you build strong client relationships on complex projects?
For me, it always comes back to being present and engaged. Regular face-to-face meetings are invaluable — you can pick up on the questions and nuances that don’t always come through virtually. On large projects or programmes, this consistent communication helps align scopes and stakeholders, keeping everyone moving towards the same purpose and goal.
I also take a hands-on role, reviewing reports and staying close to the detail. That involvement gives me confidence in the quality of what we deliver and reassures clients that their needs are front and centre. It’s about being part of the solution, not just overseeing it from a distance. This approach has been particularly important when leading large multidisciplinary teams, where fostering alignment and a “best for project” mindset ensures we deliver the right outcomes for clients and communities.
How does your work translate into positive environmental outcomes?
At its core, contaminated land management is about reducing risks to human health and the environment. The most obvious impact comes during the cleanup phase, when we assess and remediate contaminated land for beneficial reuse and it’s made safe for use again.
Outside of the Defence sector, one project I’m particularly proud of was a nature-positive remediation project that remediated sediments on a shoreline. We then hand planted that shoreline with mangrove seeds, resulting in the reestablishment of the native mangrove ecosystem. Seeing nature be restored and then flourish as a direct result of our work was a clear demonstration of the tangible benefits remediation can deliver, and very rewarding on a personal level.
What excites you most about working on Defence projects?
The variety. No two projects are the same, and each presents its own challenges.
On top of that, AECOM’s Defence team has a strong, in-depth understanding of Defence’s portfolio. Working alongside such a capable team makes it possible for us to consistently deliver for our clients. It’s a team built on trust and deep technical understanding, and that’s something I genuinely enjoy being part of.