The State Government will provide the Queensland Police Service with funding to establish a Polair helicopter capability for the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay.
The decision follows advice from Queensland Police and strong advocacy from Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay MPs on behalf of their local communities.
Premier Steven Miles said, “Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay communities have unfortunately experienced a number of very serious stolen vehicle incidents.
“It’s these sorts of events that an aerial police capability can intercept, reducing the likelihood of further offending or a tragic outcome.
“That’s why we’re taking strong action by providing local police with a Polair helicopter in the Community Safety Plan.
“If the helicopter in Townsville is anything to go by, I’m confident this new chopper will make a big difference in keeping Queenslanders safe across the region.”
Polair operational capabilities have proved extraordinarily successful in South-East Queensland and in Townsville.
The Polair aircraft will be able to assist police officers conducting operations across the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay areas.
The Queensland Police Service will now embark on a procurement process to secure an appropriate aircraft and operator.
Timing for the aerial resource will be announced following its procurement.
“Aerial assets are a game-changer in the way police track offenders, search for missing people and gain extensive situational awareness from above,” Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said.
“Bolstering resources for police will help our frontline now and into the future as the organisation continues to grow.”
