The Minns Labor Government will fully fund a CCTV trial on Beaumont Street in Hamilton, helping make one of Newcastle's busiest precincts safer for local residents and business owners.
The Government will provide $230,000 in funding to City of Newcastle Council to enable the installation of CCTV cameras along Beaumont Street as part of a three-year trial.
The trial will address concerns from police following incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour.
Those concerns have been felt particularly strongly following the tragic death of 22-year-old James Callahan, who was killed on Beaumont Street in November 2024.
City of Newcastle will lead the trial including installation of the cameras which are intended to deter crime, enhance public safety and provide reassurance to the local community.
They will also be an important tool to assist police in responding to incidents and in investigations, as well as informing targeted strategies to prevent crime in the area.
All NSW grants are awarded in accordance with eligibility criteria and program guidelines.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"There is nothing more important than community safety.
"If there are tools we can provide to police to help keep our streets safe, we will absolutely do it.
"Tim Crakanthorp has been pushing hard for this on behalf of his community, and we've listened to him, local residents, businesses and police.
"Beaumont Street is an important part of Newcastle. Local businesses have had enough of anti-social behaviour on their doorstep and residents deserve to feel safe in their own neighbourhood.
"We can't promise cameras will stop every crime, but we can give police every reasonable tool we can to keep people safe and hold offenders to account."
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:
"This week in Parliament I've been knocking on doors, telling everyone how badly we need CCTV on Beaumont Street, including the Premier.
"I am pleased to have secured this commitment for the Hamilton community.
"This isn't a nice to have, it's a must have. We know how important this is for public safety and for the community.
"I want to thank the Premier for not only hearing my calls but going above and beyond to fully fund this project."
