The New South Wales Government has confirmed that 19 new Police Force Housing homes will be delivered across the Barwon electorate in the 2025 to 2026 financial year, with Wilcannia among the towns set to benefit from the investment.

The program aims to help attract and retain police officers in rural and remote communities where housing availability represents a major challenge to recruitment and retention. Wilcannia will receive one four bedroom home as part of the rollout, addressing critical accommodation needs in the Far West community.

Key worker housing has been identified as a major constraint on population growth throughout the Barwon region. Without secure and appropriate accommodation, attracting and retaining police officers becomes increasingly difficult in areas where housing and rental markets are already tight.

The new homes are expected to make a significant difference to community safety and stability by enabling police officers to live locally, become part of the communities they serve and respond quickly to emergencies. Local presence of police officers contributes to both law enforcement effectiveness and community connection.

Beyond Wilcannia, the housing program will deliver new homes to Nyngan (two four bedroom homes), Bourke (three four bedroom homes), Brewarrina (one four bedroom home), Cobar (three four bedroom homes), Condobolin (two four bedroom homes), Lightning Ridge (two four bedroom homes), Walgett (four four bedroom homes) and Coonabarabran (one four bedroom home).

The investment represents recognition of the housing challenges facing police and other essential workers in remote areas, where limited accommodation options can deter potential recruits and contribute to high turnover rates. The provision of quality housing aims to support longer term postings and greater community integration for police officers serving in these locations.

The rollout of police housing across the Barwon electorate forms part of broader efforts to strengthen essential services in rural and remote New South Wales through improved infrastructure and support for key workers.