More than 8,300 rifles, shotguns and other firearms have been surrendered to authorities in Australia's New South Wales state as part of a major gun amnesty, police said on Thursday.

"There has been a really strong response across the state and it is encouraging to see community members recognizing the danger posed by these weapons and doing the right thing by handing them in or having them registered," police metropolitan field operations deputy commissioner Jeff Loy said in a statement.

"Too many firearms are not stored correctly which makes them an easy target for thieves, particularly in regional and rural properties."

The amnesty, which lasted from July to September, saw more than 74,000 rounds of ammunition, 56 prohibited weapons and 338 firearm parts and accessories surrendered, with the public encouraged to legally dispose of unregistered firearms or firearm-related items without penalty, according to police. A similar campaign last year netted more than 24,800 firearms.

Licenses are needed to possess or use firearms in Australia. Gun laws cover registration and licensing, provision of valid reasons for ownership, bans on semi-automatic and automatic weapons, and appropriate storage of ammunition.

A mass shooting that claimed seven lives, including four children, in the Margaret River area, south of Western Australia's state capital Perth in May renewed debate about tightening the country's firearms control.