Member Matters

Rail safety action impacts key grain freight operator

21 July 2026

Southern Shorthaul Railroad (SSR) has had its rail safety accreditation partially suspended by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR), following a series of recent safety incidents.

The action follows a serious derailment at Berrima (NSW) on 4 July, where several wagons rolled away at a level crossing on a public road.

• ONRSR initially imposed a full suspension (5 July)
• This was later reduced to a partial suspension (10 July), allowing SSR to resume some low-risk operations after safety assurances and onsite inspections

SSR is a key freight provider for major agribusiness and food manufacturers, meaning disruptions may have flow-on impacts across grain and ingredient supply chains for some of our members.

ONRSR has confirmed that accreditation is contingent on operators demonstrating the capacity to manage safety risks, with a final investigation report pending.