Authorities Urge Vigilance After Third Cane Train Derailment In Mackay Region

Authorities are urging residents of the Mackay Shire to be hypervigilant around cane trains this crushing season following an incident last week involving an on-track collision between a cane train locomotive and a vehicle just south of the region.

Shortly after 12pm on Monday, the 13th of October, first responders were called to Oakenden after a cane locomotive and a b-double truck collided at a level crossing. Queensland Fire and Rescue officers cut the train driver out of the terribly damaged cab, and he remains in hospital in a critical condition with leg and pelvic injuries.

The incident comes as the third Mackay Sugar cane locomotive derailment in the region within the past fortnight, with the last accident recorded on the 29th of September.

In a statement released by Mackay Sugar on Wednesday, the 15th of October, officials assured each of the past fortnight’s locomotive derailments are currently under investigation and the findings will be implemented to protect the safety of the community.

“At Mackay Sugar, safety is the foundation of how we operate and the outcome of living our core values of courage, appreciation, responsibility, and dedication. It is the starting point of every decision and the measure of ever action,” said Mackay Sugar.

“We are committed to protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of our employees, contractors, visitors, and the wider community. Our vision is to ensure that every person returns home safe and well, every day.”

Since commencing the 2025 crushing season in June, several derailments have been reported across the area, and with approximately three months left until the season draws to a close, Mackay Sugar cannot stress the importance of being cane train aware.

“Cane Rail safety is a crucial aspect of our operations, and we have clear and specific operating procedures and dedicated training programs,” stated Mackay Sugar.

“Cane Train Awareness information is widely available and published and Mackay Sugar runs a focused campaign on Rail Network safety through advertising with multiple media channels.”

Within the region, there’s 852km of train tracks, approximately 40 sugar locomotives, almost 6,000 cane bins, and more cane train crossings than anywhere else in the country and Mackay Sugar regularly spreads the message of cane train awareness every year, reminding the community “we share the same backyard”.

“Being safe is something we can all relate to. We keep our children safe; we keep our co-workers safe; and we don’t tend to go out of our way to put ourselves in unsafe situations. Yet, complacency and distraction remain the two biggest causes of incidents when it comes to cane rail safety,” shared Mackay Sugar during August’s National Rail Safety Week.

“In a town where everyone knows someone connected to sugar, we’ve all heard stories of near misses and close encounters – as well as some that weren’t so lucky. For our Mackay Sugar teams, we know that being part of our community means keeping people safe so they can take care of the things that matter most.”

Informative and educational safety resources can be found online at www.youtube.com/@MKYSugar.

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A Mackay Sugar train driver remains in a critical condition after an on-track collision in Oakenden on Monday, the 13th of October (Photo Source: Mackay Sugar)

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