NSW's 'shared' approach to fight terrorism

The NSW government has ramped up its approach to tackle terrorism with community leaders and the private sector playing a key role in combating the threat.

The state government's first Counter Terrorism Strategy was unveiled on Saturday and revealed a multi-agency approach with the private sector, owners and operators of critical infrastructure and community leaders all having a critical role.

NSW Counter Terrorism Minister David Elliott said the risk of future terrorist attacks is an "unfortunate" reality for the community.

"Countering terrorism and violent extremism is not a goal that can be achieved by government alone. It is a shared responsibility," Mr Elliott said in a statement on Saturday.

The education sector, local governments and healthcare workers and all have an important role to play in helping to identify and alert authorities to potential threats, he said.

The NSW government has been working to strengthen its counter terrorism capabilities with the establishment of a new high-risk security unit and a specialist team to combat radicalisation in prisons.

A helpline and online service for families worried a relative may have been radicalised has also been funded by the state government.

"NSW is a safe, cohesive and resilient society but there are a small number of individuals with extreme and violent views who want to divide us and threaten our safety," Mr Elliott said.