ARTC risk assessment process

ARTC did not proactively follow risk assessment principles specific to propelling movements to ensure safe rail operations within shunting yards under their control. ARTC conducted operations without the hazards/risks being fully or effectively assessed.

Response by Australian Rail Track Corporation

On 20 July 2026, ARTC advised:

• It has undertaken a structured review of risks associated with line of sight shunting at Port Botany in accordance with RSK-PR-001 Risk Management. This process included formal risk workshops, review of existing controls, assessment of proposed treatments and establishment of ongoing review requirements.
• The workshop included operational subject matter experts and frontline rail safety workers involved in Port Botany line of sight shunting activities, including train crew, shunters and driver trainers. The following rail operators were involved:

- Pacific National Pty ltd

- Qube Logistics (Rail) Pty Ltd

- Holdco Holdings Pty Ltd (t/a Southern Shorthaul Railroad)

- Sydney rail Services.

• The risk assessment has been reviewed and updated in June 2025, October 2025 and January 2026. ARTC procedure RSK-PR-001 Risk Management requires this risk to be reviewed at a period no longer than every 12 months as the highest current risk level is medium. Included in the risk assessment all current controls and proposed treatments with justifications where treatments have been rejected.
• OPE-PR-072 establishes ARTC's compliance assurance framework for line of sight shunting at Port Botany, including requirements for monitoring, auditing, recording outcomes and managing non-conformances.
• Additionally, as a risk mitigation strategy, ARTC also notes ongoing infrastructure developments at Port Botany that are expected to significantly reduce reliance on line of sight shunting operations over time, including:

1) Patrick Stevedores have completed their rail expansion project and are currently receiving all trains loco-leading with loco traverser, this represents around 40% of Port Botany volume.

2) DP World are in the process of a major redevelopment of their rail area which will see the installation of 5 x 600 metre sidings with a loco traverser, this project is due to be completed Q4 2027. 

Collectively, these initiatives are expected to substantially reduce the frequency of line of sight shunting movements within Port Botany yard and further mitigate the associated operational risks.

ATSB/OTSI is satisfied that ARTC has addressed and reviewed risk control principles and has effectively assessed hazards/risks at Port Botany, which has adequately addressed the safety issue.