Manildra Group Faces Dozens of Safety Breach Notices After Silo Collapse Incident

Incident Overview

In October 2024, two 30-metre-tall grain silos collapsed at Manildra Group’s Shoalhaven Starches facility near Bomaderry in New South Wales. Following the incident, SafeWork NSW conducted intensive inspections between February and March 2026, which identified systemic workplace health and safety failures and resulted in the issuance of more than 40 improvement notices.

The breaches revealed critical deficiencies in worker training, electrical maintenance, emergency preparedness, and structural safety management, leaving employees at risk of electrocution, chemical exposure, and falling objects.

In October 2024, two 30-metre-tall grain silos collapsed at Manildra Group’s Shoalhaven Starches facility near Bomaderry in New South Wales. Following the incident, SafeWork NSW conducted intensive inspections between February and March 2026, which identified systemic workplace health and safety failures and resulted in the issuance of more than 40 improvement notices.

SafeWork NSW initiated an investigation immediately following the October 2024 silo collapse. Between April 2024 and February 2025, the regulator conducted 24 visits to the Bomaderry site. Inspections revealed over 40 improvement notices covering inadequate worker training, failure to implement emergency plans, 600+ overdue electrical maintenance work orders dating back to 2019, and systemic failures in structural safety management. SafeWork NSW has ordered Manildra to develop robust inspection and maintenance regimes for structural assets and prioritise overdue repairs.

The Electrical Trades Union has criticised Manildra’s handling of safety issues, with south coast organizer Stewart Edward calling it “unbelievable” that management would direct unqualified personnel into high-risk situations. Union representatives remain sceptical about the adequacy of the company’s compliance measures. Although Manildra claims compliance with some SafeWork NSW directives, critics argue the company’s response falls short of meaningful action required to prevent future incidents.

SafeWork NSW is continuing its investigation into the October 2024 silo collapse and the systemic safety failures identified at the Shoalhaven Starches facility. Workers, contractors, or other persons with information about safety conditions or incidents at the Bomaderry plant are encouraged to contact SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or submit a report via the online incident-report form at safework.nsw.gov.au.