Manildra Group Faces Scrutiny Over Dangerous Incidents and Safety Concerns

Introduction
The Manildra Group, an agribusiness operating a large production plant in Bomaderry on the south coast of New South Wales, is facing heightened scrutiny from workplace safety authorities. Data obtained by the ABC through Freedom of Information requests reveals 55 dangerous incidents and 31 serious injuries reported at the facility between 2020 and 2024. These figures have prompted calls for stronger enforcement and greater transparency from regulators.

Details of the Incident
Among the most alarming incidents was the collapse of two 30-metre-tall wheat silos at the Shoalhaven Starches site in October 2024. The collapse caused hundreds of tonnes of grain to spill into the Shoalhaven River, sparking environmental and safety concerns. Another notable event occurred in May 2024 when a week-long fire broke out inside a grain silo, leading to the evacuation of dozens of workers and the establishment of an exclusion zone that disrupted nearby businesses and traffic.

From 2022 to 2024 alone, 43 dangerous incidents and 25 serious injuries were recorded at the Bomaderry plant. Despite these alarming statistics, many details of specific incidents remain undisclosed due to redactions in official documents provided by SafeWork NSW.

Response and Investigation
In response to the rising number of incidents, SafeWork NSW has intensified its monitoring of Manildra Group’s operations. According to Workplace Health and Safety Minister Sophie Cotsis, inspectors have been dispatched to assess compliance with safety regulations. “We’ll throw the book at anyone doing the wrong thing,” she stated, emphasizing that no company is above the law.

SafeWork NSW has also implemented a strategy aimed at improving work health and safety performance and fostering a safer culture within the organization. In 2024 alone, the regulator issued 24 improvement notices to Manildra Group, bringing the total to over 80 since 2020. However, critics argue that repeated notices without meaningful enforcement fail to deter unsafe practices.

Community and Union Reactions
Local residents and union representatives have expressed growing concern about the safety of the Bomaderry facility. Electrical Trade Union organizer Stewart Edward described the situation as “beyond alarming” and warned that fatalities could occur if action is not taken. He called for stricter enforcement measures and greater accountability from both the company and regulators.

Bomaderry resident Kylie Knight echoed these sentiments, stating that the community has lost confidence in Manildra Group’s ability to prevent future disasters. She advocated for regular community meetings to address safety concerns and inform residents about upcoming developments at the site. Kiama MP Gareth Ward added that SafeWork NSW needs to be more transparent about its actions and ensure laws are effectively enforced.

Facility Details
Shoalhaven Starches, located between the Shoalhaven River and Bolong Road, is one of Manildra Group’s largest facilities. It specializes in producing wheat starch, gluten, ethanol, and other derivatives, exporting products to over 26 countries. The plant includes an ethanol distillery capable of exporting up to 1 million liters of locally produced ethanol per hour via its $60 million storage facility at Port Kembla.

The company is currently preparing plans for significant expansions, including the installation of six new wheat silos, a truck and train unloading facility, grain conveyor gantry, container storage area, weighbridge, maintenance workshop, and electricity substation. Despite declining to comment on recent safety concerns, Manildra Group continues to emphasize its commitment to operational excellence and sustainability.