NSW Police’s Aviation Command (POL AIR) has launched a new drone surveillance trial in Moree, marking an Australian first in regional policing technology.
Two drones were installed at Moree Police Station on Thursday, 8 January 2026, as part of a trial designed to support both proactive and rapid-response policing in the township. Operated remotely by POL AIR from Bankstown, the drones are expected to reach incidents across Moree faster than local officers, providing aerial support and real-time visibility for police on the ground.
The technology is not intended to replace local patrols but to complement existing policing methods. Officers will continue to respond to calls and attend scenes, with drones acting as an additional tool to help improve community safety and operational efficiency.
While in Moree, representatives from POL AIR and Moree Plains Shire Council met with local aviation stakeholders to discuss how the drone operations will function within the region’s airspace. Additional meetings were held with community groups to provide information about the trial and address any concerns.
Moree Plains Mayor Cr Susannah Pearse welcomed the initiative, citing ongoing crime challenges in the area.
“Moree is a wonderful place. We however continue to have a break and enter rate nine times the NSW average,” Cr Pearse said.
“Late last year we explained to NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon that we are not comfortable with that statistic.
“Turning around this long term trend will take a range of initiatives and this is just one. But it is one that we strongly welcome.
“We thank the NSW Police wholeheartedly for their continued care and concern for our community and our people.
“Whilst there may be some concerns about this increased surveillance, we need to balance this with the very real impact violent crime has on its victims.
“If this trial stops even one violent break and enter or makes offenders think twice, then that’s a win.”
Council acknowledged that some community members may have questions about the drone technology and how it will be used. Further updates on the trial are expected from NSW Police as the program develops over coming months.
“This is a trial and its effectiveness will be reviewed,” Cr Pearse said. “But it is a trial that our council strongly welcomes and we are grateful that our community has been selected to work in partnership with NSW Police and be on the cutting edge of policing innovation.”
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