Murray River LGA crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
970 recorded in this period, compared with 829 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Murray River
The Murray River Council is a local government area located in the Riverina and Murray regions of southern New South Wales. Covering approximately 11,865 square kilometres, the LGA spans a diverse landscape of semi-arid plains, irrigated agricultural land, and the fertile floodplains of the Murray and Edward Rivers. As of the 2021 Census, the area maintains a population of approximately 12,000 residents, with its administrative centres and primary residential hubs located in towns including Moama, Barham, Moulamein, and Mathoura.
Local life in the Murray River LGA is predominantly driven by the agricultural sector, particularly irrigation-based industries such as viticulture, citrus farming, and cereal cropping. The region is a significant tourist destination, leveraging its proximity to the Murray River for recreational activities like boating, fishing, and camping. Residents are supported by essential regional infrastructure, including health services, primary and secondary schooling, and community sporting facilities, while the town of Moama serves as a major commercial node due to its proximity to the Victorian border city of Echuca.
The heritage of the area is rooted in the history of river trade and Indigenous connection to Country, with the Murray River serving as a vital transport artery for paddle-steamers during the 19th century. The LGA was formed in 2016 through the merger of the former Murray and Wakool Shires. The region preserves its historical identity through several heritage-listed sites, local museums, and the conservation of its unique riverine ecosystems, which are culturally significant to the traditional custodians of the land.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 101 | 72 |
| Breach AVO | 77 | 57 |
| Harassment threatening | 73 | 62 |
| Assault - domestic violence | 70 | 38 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 59 | 46 |
| Other theft | 55 | 51 |
| Steal from dwelling | 54 | 27 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 47 | 43 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 42 | 37 |
| Assault - non-domestic violence | 40 | 38 |
| Breach bail conditions | 40 | 47 |
| Fraud | 40 | 42 |
| Prohibited weapons offences | 40 | 36 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 39 | 56 |
| Trespass | 35 | 24 |
| Steal from retail store | 32 | 25 |
| Possession use of cannabis | 30 | 28 |
| Sexual Offences | 30 | 38 |
| Arson | 21 | 21 |
| Liquor offences | 20 | 11 |
| Receiving stolen goods | 12 | 8 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 7 | 12 |
| Offensive conduct | 3 | 5 |
| Offensive language | 2 | 1 |
| Robbery | 1 | 2 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 12,850 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.