David Bates

David is one of the most experienced and trusted figures in Victoria’s rail safety and track protection sector, with close to two decades of operational and planning experience across Victoria’s major rail networks. He has held senior roles within Metro Trains Melbourne, including in Network Safety and Occupation Coordination, and has worked extensively across V/Line and ARTC corridors on both day-of-operations and long-range possession planning.

Over the course of his career, David has contributed to the safe delivery of large-scale shutdowns, critical infrastructure upgrades, and emergency response programs - providing expert input on occupation strategy, signalling interface, and safeworking compliance. His experience spans both brownfield and greenfield projects, including high-risk inner metro occupations and regional works with complex staging requirements.

David brings a detailed, methodical approach to protection planning - working closely with Controllers, Signallers, project engineers, and field crews to ensure access arrangements are safe, practical, and aligned with delivery needs. His ability to balance compliance with operational flexibility makes him a key asset in complex delivery environments.

Since joining ActivateRail in 2024, David has led internal compliance initiatives and training for TFPCs and handsignallers, while continuing to provide site-level guidance and mentorship across major works programs. His leadership remains central to ActivateRail’s commitment to safe delivery -driving capability uplift and supporting the business as it scales across the state’s transport network.