Joel Forbes leads Downer’s Major Periodic Maintenance Program, overseeing the planning and execution of large-scale overhauls across more than half of Sydney’s passenger rollingstock. Operating at the intersection of long-term asset strategy and frontline delivery, he balances availability, reliability, sustainability, and cost within the constraints of depot capacity and network demand. Joel’s recent focus has been on capability building and localisation. By leveraging fleet operational data, he works to strengthen local suppliers and in-house capability to deliver more tailored and intelligent maintenance services, which reduce supply chain inefficiencies, transport emissions, and waste. He is also a strong advocate for reindustrialising rail manufacturing in the Hunter region, through initiatives like the NSW Government’s Future Fleet Program.
