THE NSW Government will hold two public meetings in Moree today to provide updates on place-based initiatives that have been rolled out across the shire.
The initiatives are aimed at addressing complex issues and shaping solutions to Moree’s ongoing crime problems.
Information about funding for after-hours activities, the proposed Moree bail accommodation and support program from Youth Justice NSW, local crime data and statistics, and the Moree Service Review will be discussed.
Moree residents are encouraged to attend the sessions.
Local crime data will be delivered by NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research executive director, Jackie Fitzgerald.
A spokesperson from the NSW Government Moree place-based co-ordination team said sessions will include talks from key government agencies and as well as provide Moree residents with program updates.
“The meetings are open to everyone, and will be a valuable opportunity for community members to become informed about the initiatives,” the spokesperson said.
Moree Plains Shire mayor, Susannah Pearse, said the meetings are an opportunity for the community to hear from the NSW Government about the work to date, and plans for the future.
“I strongly encourage all interested residents to attend, to hear from the government, have your say on what is the most critical issue for our community and see what we can all do to be part of the solution,” Cr Pearse said.
“Since the Premier’s first visit to Moree, there’s been a raft of initiatives put in place, from changes to bail legislation, to reviews of local services, and funding for night-time activities for kids.
“Our problems have not come about overnight, and we understand that long-term change takes solutions that tackle the core issues as well as the symptoms.
“But we are in a unique position in that we have the state government in the trenches with us working on those solutions and we are not battling on our own.
“Sadly though, our locals know that we continue to grapple with crime and antisocial behaviour,” Cr Pearse said.
Earlier this year, the NSW Government delivered $2 million in grants for more after-hours activities in Moree, including a small-grants program to support individuals and small businesses wanting to do more to support young people in the shire.
At the time, Premier of NSW Chris Minns said the State Government was endeavouring to make communities safer.
“By providing more after-hours activities, we are helping more young people stay on the right track,” Mr Minns said.
“This kind of early intervention will help prevent crime and give young people more chances to succeed.”
The funding followed a $13.4 million investment announced last year for a targeted response in Moree to address crime, support young people and improve community safety.
Initiatives include additional judicial resources for Local and Children’s Court jurisdictions, including associated Legal Aid, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Police costs for six months and additional Aboriginal Legal Service funding.
There was also $8.75 million allocated for bail accommodation and support service in Moree for young people, to be co-designed by Government and community stakeholders, with an aim to provide police and courts with more options to put a young person on bail with higher confidence that they will not reoffend.
Bail accommodation and support service also aims to link young Aboriginal people to Indigenous organisations, elders, and cultural and family supports from their own communities with skilled, qualified, trained and consistent staff.
Moree place-based initiatives meetings
When: Thursday, July 24, 2025
Where: Social Co House Moree, 167 Balo Street
Time: 11.30am – 1pm and 5pm – 6.30pm
