The NSW Government will invest $5 million over the next four years for the installation of CCTV cameras around NSW communities to ensure their safety. 

Cameras will be installed in the Western and South-Western Sydney area before being assessed to expand to other areas of NSW. 

“Community safety is the NSW Government’s top priority and this investment will keep residents and small businesses safe from crime and anti-social behaviour,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said. 

“More CCTV cameras will increase community confidence and send a strong message to would-be criminals that if you do the wrong thing, you will be caught and punished,” she added. 

Police Minister Troy Grant said the CCTV camera footage will be a vital source of information for gathering intelligence and investing criminal activities. 

“This is a great initiative that will improve public safety and community confidence by cracking down on criminal and anti-social behaviour,” Mr Grant said. 

He added that the cameras will also act as a deterrent to criminals, as “if they know they’re being watched, it makes them think twice about doing the wrong thing”. 

Community groups and small businesses in the eligible government areas can apply for funding up to $5000 for the CCTV installation, which will be assessed from April 2019. 

The 10 eligible local government areas include Blacktown, Camden, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Liverpool, Parramatta, Penrith, and Wollondilly.