The $280,000 project is being jointly funded by the three levels of government.

The camera network makes use of the National Broadband Network, with the new infrastructure also to be used for a free Wi-Fi service for Kiama's town centre.

The decision to install CCTV was not welcomed by all Kiama residents, with concerns raised in regards to privacy and cost.

However, in March, a council survey found 72 per cent of the Kiama community supported the installation of CCTV.

"We think it will be a tool to assist the town," Kiama Mayor Brian Petschler said.

"The project has two stages; the first the cameras themselves, which will provide an overview of what is happening in the main areas and the second string is the introduction of Wi-Fi access in the centre of town.

"We have had good support from the state and federal governments, and we believe it will be an asset for our community in the long term."

The high-definition cameras will be installed in two stages.

The first stage will cover Terralong Street and Railway Parade while the second stage will loop back to Terralong Street via Bong Bong Street and Manning Street.

The cameras are designed to blend in with the Kiama streetscape and are based on cameras used in heritage areas such as the City of Westminster in London.

The cameras will have footage broadcast live through to the Lake Illawarra Police Area Command.