Federal Member for Robertson, Belinda Neal, today officially launched the Peninsula CCTV Project at a special function hosted by Mayor of Gosford City, Clr Chris Holstein at Woy Woy Library.

The 20 closed circuit TV cameras, which are located within the Woy Woy, Umina Beach and Ettalong Beach precincts, have been installed to deter crime and anti-social behaviour throughout the Peninsula.

The project was funded by an Australian Government grant of $680,000 as part of its $15 million Safer Suburbs Plan, fulfilling a commitment by Ms Neal to the people of the Peninsula.

Member for Robertson, Belinda Neal said she was delighted she could help make the business centres of the Peninsula safer places to live, work and shop.

“This is great news for the people on the Peninsula,” Ms Neal said.

“The Safer Suburbs Plan is a $15 million, Australia-wide Federal Government initiative to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour by funding important community safety measures such as the Peninsula CCTV Project.

“The CCTV cameras will bring enormous social benefits to the residents, shop owners and business people of the Peninsula. The safety of our communities must always remain our highest priority.”

In his address to guests, Clr Holstein said that he hoped the CCTV cameras would serve as a deterrent to anyone considering breaking the law.

"Whilst these cameras won't fix everything, they will however serve as a strong deterrent for potential law breakers.

"The general public have nothing to fear with the installation of these cameras.

"The Peninsula is a great place to live, work and play, and will continue to be so", added Clr Holstein.

Both Gosford City Council and the Brisbane Water Local Area Command (BWLAC) are anticipating a reduction in crime rates in the Woy Woy, Umina Beach and Ettalong Beach precincts in the coming months as a result of the increased security measure and improved ability for Police to respond to incidents.

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in assisting Council with attaining the Safer Suburbs grant and also in gaining support for the Peninsula CCTV Project from local businesses in the Ettalong Beach, Umina Beach and Woy Woy precincts.

Local businesses and members of the public can expect to see prominent signage advising them when they are entering an area where CCTV cameras are operating.

The pan/tilt/zoom, auto focus, high resolution CCTV cameras will be monitored by Woy Woy Police and will be available as a tool for police response 24 hours a day.

For more information, visit Council's website at www.gosford.nsw.gov.au