ONRSR has partially eased the Southern Shorthaul Railroad suspension, allowing Holdco Holdings to resume some low-risk operations under additional regulatory oversight while accreditation for all remaining railway operations remains suspended.

Southern Shorthaul Railroad locomotive C504 at Sunshine, Victoria
Archive photo of Southern Shorthaul Railroad locomotive C504 hauling a grain train at Sunshine, Victoria. Photo: Tomoyn / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0

Berrima incident and accreditation suspension

The regulator suspended the freight operator’s accreditation last weekend after several safety incidents. Those events culminated in a serious incident at Berrima in New South Wales on July 4, when several wagons rolled away and derailed at a level crossing on a public road.

Following the suspension, ONRSR continued discussions with Holdco, which sought to assure the regulator that it had addressed immediate safety risks associated with some of its low-risk operations.

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Low-risk operations resume under added oversight

ONRSR reviewed the company’s submissions and conducted several on-site inspections. Following that assessment, National Rail Safety Regulator Dr Natalie Pelham ⁠decided to partially lift the suspension order so Holdco could resume some low-risk railway operations.

ONRSR said:

“These operations will be subject to additional regulatory oversight,”

“Holdco’s accreditation in respect of all other parts of its railway operations remains suspended in accordance with the notice of immediate suspension.

“ONRSR’s priority remains to ensure that risks to the safety of those in the rail industry and members of the public are effectively managed.”

Southern Shorthaul Railroad locomotives at Sunshine station
Archive photo of Southern Shorthaul Railroad N and B class locomotives passing through Sunshine station. Photo: Billy Evans / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0

Context

ONRSR initially suspended Holdco’s accreditation under the Rail Safety National Law after determining that there was, or would be, an immediate or serious safety risk unless the accreditation was suspended. The regulator said no injuries resulted from the Berrima incident and that rail transport operators interacting with Holdco had been notified so they could manage impacts on their operations. ONRSR also said it accredits operators on the basis that they demonstrate the competence and capacity to manage safety risks associated with their railway operations.

ONRSR continues to investigate the July 4 incident at Berrima and is working with Holdco in relation to the ongoing suspension.

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