A recent General Manager's update shed light on several significant matters affecting communities within the Central Darling Shire.

Key concerns ranged from infrastructure deficits like toilet facilities and lighting to the critical issue of policing numbers across the vast remote region.

Infrastructure concerns were highlighted; the lack of toilet facilities between Ivanhoe and Wilcannia along the sealed Cobb Highway remains a pressing issue.

This problem has been brought to the attention of the local member, Mr Roy Butler MP, on multiple occasions.

The matter has now been referred to the Minister for Transport, Jennifer Acts, and subsequently pushed back to the Department of Transport, who are apparently investigating it as part of their long-term financial strategy.

Another infrastructure concern raised by FA Johnson relates to the lack of lighting.

Specific areas needing attention include the entrance to the Ivanhoe swimming pool, Jason Park, and along the sealed section of Moschell Road.

The Shire Services operations manager is set to investigate the requirements for lighting at the swimming pool entrance and the play park.

Any necessary budget and works would potentially be allocated in the next financial year or funding would need to be sought.

Regarding the Bomen sealing on Moschell Road, correspondence has been sent to Carrathool Shire Council.

It was noted that Carrathool Council still has a significant amount of work to complete in that area.

Central Darling Shire Council has only approximately four kilometres of this road within its boundary.

The General Manager indicated it is not considered worthwhile to seal their short section now, given that approximately 60 kilometres remain unsealed by Carrathool.

Sealing the four kilometres at this stage would necessitate maintaining it as an asset on the Shire's register potentially for another 10 to 15 years, which is not deemed valuable until Carrathool has completed most of their section.

Policing Numbers Raise Alarm

A major concern discussed was the state of policing numbers across the Shire.

This is particularly worrying in Wilcannia, which has experienced issues like break-ins and deaths around cars.

Discussion with the local superintendent for the Far West police confirmed that officer numbers are considerably down, not only in Central Darling but also in Broken Hill.

The situation in Ivanhoe is particularly stark, with no resident policing; resources are reportedly sourced from Balranald.

Menindee reportedly had only a single police officer up to two weeks prior to the update, despite having accommodation for three officers, and that officer is apparently seeking a transfer.

Wilcannia, which normally has up to 12 officers stationed, has seen numbers drop significantly to about four.

This critical issue has been raised with Mr Roy Butler MP.

The Administrator and General Manager also attended a country mayors' forum where the deputy commissioner for police was present.

The difficulty in attracting new recruits to remote rural areas was raised, and it was noted that incentives do not seem to be proving effective in addressing this staffing shortage.