In December 1880 a second local newspaper, the "Western Grazier", began to be published in Wilcannia. By early 1881 patients were being treated in the newly-build local hospital. At the census of 1881 the population of Wilcannia was recorded as 1,424 (976 males and 448 females). Wilcannia was incorporated as a municipality in February 1883, with Edmond O'Donnell elected its first mayor. The first major project of the municipality was the construction of water supply works in the township. A July 1884 report stated that Wilcannia had a population "of about 1200" and was described as a township "of well-laid-out streets and good buildings", situated "in the centre of a large sheep country". The Post and Telegraph Office was reported to be "a handsome building" and several of the stores ("notably Frew, Wright, and Co., J. Palmer and Co., and Cramsie, Bowden, and Co.") were described as "not only extensive but of considerable architectural beauty". It was explained that a quarry of freestone "of excellent quality" within two miles of the township "has been largely used for building purposes". The only local industry of note was a brewery.