The Sunshine Coast’s police air support is set to reach new heights, with the State Government committing $22.8 million over three years to expand POLAIR operations and extend coverage into the fast-growing Moreton Bay region.
Since the Sunshine Coast POLAIR base became operational on 1 January 2025, it has already achieved impressive results, including 449 flights, responding to 133 urgent Code 1 and 2 calls in under 12 minutes, assisting with 82 domestic and family violence incidents, investigating 139 stolen vehicle reports, and contributing to 221 offender arrests.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the expansion was critical for keeping communities safe.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the investment ensures police are backed with equipment and personnel, not short-term promises.
“Labor’s failure to properly fund POLAIR put this vital service at risk, but we’ve fixed that, locked it in, and expanded it,” he said. “This investment means more eyes in the sky, faster response times on the ground, and stronger support for frontline officers keeping Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay families safe.”
Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said the enhanced POLAIR capability was a major win for local families.
“For years, locals were promised community safety by Labor, but what they delivered was uncertainty and underfunding,” Ms Morton said. “The State Government has stepped up and locked in this critical POLAIR capability because the Sunshine Coast deserves real protection.”
Chief Inspector Daniel Bust said trained Tactical Flight Officers will now be permanently based on the Sunshine Coast, strengthening operational support for local police and improving outcomes across districts.
“Expanding this into a full POLAIR capability ensures every deployment is aligned with operational priorities on the ground, keeping communities safer,” he said.
The $22.8 million investment will also fund upgraded aircraft equipment, ensuring Queenslanders have a permanent, fully-resourced aerial crime-fighting presence in the region for years to come, the State Government said.
