The Premier's new approach to preventing youth crime could be a game-changer for four Western Plains communities.

Barwon MP Roy Butler announced today that NSW Premier Chris Minns has agreed to a three-pronged approach designed to provide both immediate support and long-term structural change.

The announcement follows a meeting between the Premier and leaders from the four councils yesterday, Thursday 13 November, ahead of the Country Mayors Association's Annual General Meeting today.

Mr Butler and the participating mayors say that the Premier agreed to take the following action:

1. Immediate funding to the tune of "hundreds of thousands of dollars" for youth-based programs in Coonamble, Brewarrina, Bourke and Walgett shires over the Christmas period, ensuring young people have access to safe, structured activities during the highest-risk time of the year.

2. A comprehensive review of all youth service funding across the region, led by the Premier’s Department with significant input from local councils. The review will identify gaps, duplication and service failures, and ensure investment is directed to programs that meet the actual needs of our communities.

3. Exploration of residential, on-country youth diversion programs, developed in partnership with local councils and community organisations. This work will take time and careful planning, but it is an essential step in addressing the long-term causes of youth disengagement and offending.

Walgett Mayor Jasen Ramien thanked Premier Minns for "showing genuine concern and engaging so openly with the councils most affected by these issues."

"He listened carefully, asked meaningful questions, and demonstrated a real commitment to developing solutions that reflect the realities of life in our region," Mr Ramien said.

"Our communities have been asking for leadership and coordinated action, and yesterday’s meeting gave us confidence that progress is underway.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns with Walgett Shire General Manager Andrew Brown, mayor Jasen Ramien, and Planning, Environment and Economy director Donna Ausling. [IMAGE: Walgett Shire Council]

“Kids have got time on their hands, and they’ll find something to do, if we can give them something to do that’s a lot better,” Coonamble mayor Daniel Keady said.

Cr Keady's Bourke counterpart, Lachlan Ford, welcomed the services review.

 “There’s a lot of services that we don’t really know what they do, and our community for years has questioned where that funding goes,” Cr Ford said.

The precise amount of funding is not confirmed while councils flesh out the costings for the holiday and after-school programs.

READ: Butler calls for youth services inquiry

“The Premier showed a strong understanding of the complex factors that contribute to youth crime, including service gaps and the lack of coordinated after-hours support," Walgett Shire General Manager Andrew Brown said.

"We welcome the commitment to immediate youth funding and the broader review of youth service arrangements. The work on on-country residential diversion programs is particularly important and will lay the groundwork for long-term change.”

The Thursday meeting follows a delegation from the same councils to the Premier on 28 October.

That meeting followed outcry in Walgett after the local council cut opening hours at their town's pool due to an alleged assault on a lifeguard.

Barwon MP Roy Butler requested the Premier's attention to repeated incidents in Western Plains communities, and Mr Minns said in Parliament on Monday 20 October that he would accept a delegation.

Mr Butler said crime rates won't fall without intervention for disadvantaged young people.

“A successful intervention is a win for the young person and a win for their community,” said Mr Butler.