The news is starting to sink in that there might finally be a scheme to deliver better police staffing in remote areas of NSW and local councils are "over the moon".

Another pre-election announcement from the NSW Government late on Friday 24 February brought some generous enticements to 'get and keep' police in the bush.

The new incentive scheme will apply to 55 local government areas classified as 'remote' and 'special remote' and is a 'commitment not a promise'.

It will be rolled out from 1 July 2023 using "locked in" funding already allocated in 2022 and ready to be spent.

Critically, a review of station classifications will see Nyngan, Tottenham, Coonamble, Gulargambone, Baradine and Hillston added to the list of towns in the 'Special Remote' zone for NSW Police.

“These new incentives aren’t just about encouraging officers to move to the bush, it’s about encouraging them to stay in these communities for up to five years, building their capabilities and gaining incredible career experience in a job that is like no other in the Force,” said Deputy Premier Paul Toole.

“It rewards relocation and retention and gives officers the flexibility to invest these incentive payments in what matters to them and their families.

"It’s an investment in the police who work across large areas in some of the most remote parts of the State to keep their communities safe.”

The package involved direct negotiation with the NSW Police Association and includes:

• Increased payments to up to $36,000 over five years for officers who move to select regional locations
• Housing provided by NSW Police at specific locations at a rate of 3 per cent of an officer’s salary per annum – well below the rental market rate
• Reduced mandatory tenure periods at identified locations to allow greater mobility opportunities for officers
• Additional funding to support officers in remote and special remote areas to travel and build their capabilities and career
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Deputy Premier Toole (centre) says the scheme has taken time to get right. IMAGE: Facebook

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the new scheme would provide a great opportunity for officers looking to make a change and diversify their skills to relocate to a regional position.

“Policing in regional NSW brings a whole new set of skills to learn, and the rewards gained from working closely with small and unique communities is an experience you just can’t get in the big cities,” Commissioner Webb said.

Ms Webb says that the strategy will help NSW Police maintain their workforce in a "highly competitive labour market."

A spokesperson for Coonamble police said that they had already begun to field enquiries for positions.

Police Association President Kevin Morton said the move will reward officers who move to - and choose to stay - in more remote communities.

“For too long, police stations in remote areas have struggled to attract police officers. These improved incentives will go a long way to attract officers to serve these rural communities," he said.

“This is about getting police in the right place at the right time. Our members operate at the heart of these remote communities and go above and beyond to protect and serve."

Former police officer and Coonamble Mayor Tim Horan says the announcement was "more than he expected."

Coonamble Mayor Tim Horan, himself a former police officer, says he is "over the moon" with the announcement.

"This new strategy should really help recruit police to our area," said Cr Horan. "I know how short-staffed they've been and how much they struggle. It's been bad for the community and bad for the police."

"It's not about getting money, it's about filling positions and keeping police numbers full," he said. "We should see more police out and about and quicker response times without having police over-worked.

"We've been chasing this for a long time," Cr Horan said.

Coonamble police station was briefly classified 'special remote' in the early 1990s before losing entitlements to cheap housing and additional payments.

More than thirty years of campaigning has finally seen results.

"It's great for the police and our communities but we still need to look after the staff in other essential services," Cr Horan said.

"Teachers are looked after quite well but something needs to happen for nurses, paramedics and firefighters."

"What I'm seeing so far for police is probably more than I ever expected but it can't end there," he said. "Hopefully this is just part of a new approach to rebuilding essential services in these areas."

Bogan Shire Mayor Glen Neill (right) with GM Derek Francis. Cr Neill says longer term police are highly prized.

Nyngan and the surrounding areas have been dealing with a spate of crimes in recent weeks and, while police have had some success, Mayor Glen Neill says the announcement gives hope for real crime reduction.

"The housing and incentives have got to be a step in the right direction," he told the Western Plains App.

"Presently we have only just enough police. We previously had a detective and a rural crime specialist based here in Nyngan but they were moved to other stations.

"Hopefully this will be an opportunity to attract and keep those positions here," he said. "Having someone like that staying in the town would certainly make a difference."

Cr Neill said he is keen to find out more about the Special Remote classification and what can be done to extend the service of police officers in his area.

"It is early days but our council is interested in doing whatever we can do to keep people here," he said.

"When they're here long enough and get to know the locals and vice versa that's the best kind of policing you can get.

"Our local police here do a fantastic job and I'm very appreciative of all that they do," Cr Neill said.

"I'd love to see us even have a couple of officers on duty at certain hours of the night. Something like that could make a huge impact."