A  $50,000 council fund for CCTV cameras in the Western Bay of Plenty is now open for applications.

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council CCTV Fund aims to support new cameras in shared public areas to help deter crime and anti-social behaviour while strengthening the district's wider surveillance network.

Since its introduction five years ago, the fund has helped install 29 cameras throughout the district.

Council operations manager Kerrie Little said in a statement that CCTV could provide an added sense of security in places people use every day.

“It's one part of the bigger picture when it comes to looking after our shared spaces, and having cameras in the right locations can also provide useful information when incidents do occur,” Little said.

“We're keen to hear from communities about where they see a need and why they think a camera would be worthwhile.”

Applications are assessed by a panel made up of councillors, Little and a New Zealand Police representative.

To be eligible, proposed cameras must be located in shared public spaces and cannot be installed on private property.

The fund was established through the council's Long Term Plan 2021-2031 after receiving strong support from the district's five community boards. Ongoing demand led to the annual $50,000 fund being extended for a further three years through the Long Term Plan 2024-34.

Projects funded through the 2025 round included cameras at the Peers Rd and McLarens Falls Rd intersection in Kaimai, the reserve and parking area at the end of Prole Rd in Ōmokoroa, the Conway Rd reserve and playground in Paengaroa, and the shopping area between Dillon St and Citrus Ave in Waihi Beach.

Applications close at 5pm on November 8.

More information and application forms are available on the council's website.