NSW police minister Yasmin Catley was in Walgett on Wednesday (5 November) to hear the latest from community leaders on local crime.

Minister Catley was joined by NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon to chat with councillors, senior staff and members of community services like Dharriwaa Elders Group.

Walgett deputy-mayor Greg Rummery was one of the participants, and said their discussions followed up on their mayoral meeting with Premier Chris Minns in late October.

"It just really reiterated what needs to happen. There needs to be changes on a lot of fronts," Cr Rummery said.

"It's not just youth crime. Youth crime is the symptom.

"We've got low socio-economics, we've got high rates of domestic violence, and that doesn't lead to great outcomes for youth.

"They were very receptive to ideas and comments, and they were open and honest in what they could bring to the table.

"There's no silver bullets. It's a big issue and it's going to take a community to sort it out."

Minister Catley and Commissioner Lanyon also met local police officers in Walgett this week. [IMAGE: Facebook/ Yasmin Catley MP]

Mr Rummery also said the local council should remain at the table for the government's discussions on crime. 

"Both the Minister and Commissioner showed genuine concern and a strong understanding of the challenges our community is facing," Walgett Shire Council General Manager Andrew Brown said about the meeting with Minister Catley.

"Our discussions focused on the need for youth diversionary programs, a review of youth services within the Shire, and increased policing presence in Lightning Ridge.

"We also spoke about the importance of meaningful work, local programs and affordable housing in addressing the broader causes of crime.

"While no clear pathway forward was identified, we remain hopeful and will continue to engage with the NSW Government and Police to achieve positive outcomes for our community."

The NSW government announced $12 million on Friday 7 November to expand and continue services for at-risk young people in Moree, Kempsey and Tamworth.

While no such announcement was made for Walgett, council delegates remain continue to push for the state government to review their investment in western towns to ensure more direct local community control and more accountability for dollars spent.

Among their proposals is a plan to establish residential youth programs in Coonamble, Walgett, Brewarrina and Bourke as alternatives to incarceration.

Follow up discussions are expected to occur in the next few weeks.