THE Yamba Chamber of Commerce will continue to push for CCTV cameras and new street signage for Yamba, despite funding problems with both projects.

During last year's federal election campaign, The Daily Examiner revealed a re-elected coalition government would provide $300,000 for CCTV cameras in Yamba, Grafton and South Grafton.

However, National Party candidate for Page, Chris Gulaptis, was defeated for the seat by Janelle Saffin.

Chamber member Gerold Rupkalvis said he contacted Ms Saffin's office last month asking whether Mr Gulaptis' commitment for CCTV cameras prior to the election would be taken up by Ms Saffin.

"The money for the cameras was announced by Mr Gulaptis last year. We are keen to see if that money will still be allocated," he said.

A spokeswoman for Ms Saffin said she had not made 'any commitment' to CCTV cameras for Yamba prior to, or since, her election.

Last year, the Chamber received a quote from a private firm for around $900,000 for the installation of 80 to 100 CCTV cameras in Yamba, Maclean, Grafton and South Grafton.

Mr Rupkalvis said Clarence Valley Council mayor Ian Tiley had also committed council resources to help secure government funding for the cameras, but that the submission was being 'lost in bureaucracy'.

"The chamber doesn't have the resources to make its own submission," Mr Rupkalvis said.

"My worry is that because we are relying on council resources, any submission for cameras will focus on protecting only council property, not other community property."

A spokeswoman for the Clarence Valley Council said the council was still waiting on the region's chambers of commerce to provide a combined joint plan for CCTV cameras.

"Council has not been in contact with any chamber regarding funding for CCTV cameras since last year," they said.

"Since the Federal election, everything seems to be on hold." The spokeswoman said any funding submission would be made to the Federal Attorney General's Department Crime Prevention Plan. Under the plan, up to $500,000 in funding can be sought. The Yamba Chamber is also after funds for a new street sign at the entrance to the town. Chamber member Tania Williams was also keen to improve the town's signage. "A new sign is one of our aims this year. All we have at the moment is a black and white sign," she said.