Bega MP Andrew Constance said more than $2.6 million was available as part of the $10 million Community Safety Fund which is designed to help locals make their neighbourhoods safer places to live.

“Crime has a significant impact on our community, which is why supporting projects that improve safety and reduce anti-social behaviour and reoffending is a great investment,” Mr Constance said.

“Local residents understand local crime problems. To ensure these problems are best addressed, it is vital for us to have a say in the solution.

“I urge local businesses and community groups to put their heads together to develop creative strategies that will address the specific crime issues impacting their suburbs and towns.

“If residents in our communities are going to enjoy their neighbourhood, they need to feel safe.”

Attorney General Mark Speakman said grants were available for initiatives that target anti-social behaviour, promote safe use of public spaces, encourage collaboration to reduce crime and assist in reducing homelessness.

“Some of the ideas that have been funded include a mobile youth centre, a street beat program for at-risk Indigenous kids, security improvements for sporting fields and solar street lights to improve safety for pedestrians,” Mr Speakman said.

Minister for Police Troy Grant said the Community Safety Fund was launched in 2015 to support NSW in becoming an even safer place to live, especially in disadvantaged, regional and remote areas.

“The NSW Government is proud to support local projects to help people feel safe and proud of their community because together we can make a difference to reduce crime and fear of crime,” Mr Grant said.

Applications are now open and will close at 5pm on Friday, August 10. For more information go to www.crimeprevention.nsw.gov.au