Lake Cowal crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
2 recorded in this period, compared with 0 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Lake Cowal
Lake Cowal is a locality situated in the Bland Shire of central New South Wales, within the 2671 postcode. Its defining geographic feature is Lake Cowal, a significant permanent inland lake in New South Wales, which functions as an important terminal wetland. Due to the expansive nature of the lake and the surrounding agricultural land, the area has a very low population density, with residents primarily dispersed across large rural holdings rather than concentrated in an urban centre.
Local life and the regional economy are predominantly anchored around broadacre agriculture, including cereal cropping and livestock grazing. The natural environment surrounding the lake supports a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it a significant site for birdwatching and ecological interest. Day-to-day services, retail amenities, and administrative facilities for residents are typically accessed in nearby larger towns such as West Wyalong.
The area holds significant Indigenous heritage, being traditionally associated with the Wiradjuri people, for whom the lake and its environs hold deep cultural, spiritual, and historical importance. In more recent history, the locality has gained national attention for the Cowal Gold Operations, a major open-cut gold mine operating near the western shore of the lake. This industrial presence coexists with ongoing conservation efforts to protect the delicate wetland ecosystem.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 1 | 0 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 43 residents. This is not a current population estimate.
Sources and interpretation
These are police-recorded incident or victim counts, not every unreported incident or a prediction of personal safety. Percentage changes are not tests of statistical significance; small counts need particular care.