As the Gippsland Line Upgrade moves into its final stages, Environmental Advisor Thomas Peteringis playing a vital role in ensuring the project is delivered sustainably, safely, and in line with all environmental commitments.
"I joined UGL in November 2024, just as the project was transitioning from a broader contractor alliance to UGL leading the final stages,” states Thomas. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to be part of that handover and help close out such a large-scale upgrade."
Thomas’ journey in environmental management began with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in environmental science, with a strong focus on chemistry and biology. After a 12-month industry placement with a civil contractor, he continued with them for several years before stepping into the rail space with UGL.
His current role spans more than just paperwork and compliance, it's about actively engaging with the land, the community, and the broader project team.
"Earlier in the project, it was about getting the environmental management plans in place,” Thomas explains. “Now, it’s about detailed auditing and reconciliation, making sure everything we’ve done matches what we said we’d do."
A major focus is native vegetation reconciliation across the full 100km stretch between Nar Nar Goon and Traralgon. This means visiting every site, comparing removed vegetation against what was approved, and ensuring any offsets are accurate and where possible, reduced.
“It’s quite a task,” he admits. “But it’s critical. We're reviewing approvals, working closely with V/Line and VicTrack, and ensuring everything is accounted for. From vegetation and spoil tracking to compliance audits, I’m proud of the work we’ve done and the legacy we’ll leave behind.”
Beyond the technical details, Thomas has grown his skills in stakeholder engagement, building strong relationships with clients and agencies to ensure seamless communication and shared project goals.
“I’ve built confidence in working with clients and key stakeholders. Ensuring everyone’s aligned has a huge impact on the success of the project and how well we work together.”
Working in the Gippsland region has been a personal highlight for Thomas.
“I grew up in Western Victoria where it’s flat and dry,” shares Thomas. “Out here, the green hills and diverse landscapes are just stunning. Every day I get to visit new places and as someone who loves hiking and camping, it’s the perfect mix of work and passion.”
