- Miles Government set to fund a police helicopter for the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay region in Community Safety plan
- Investment in this aircraft to enhance police operational capability, stopping criminals in their tracks
- New Polair helicopter operations will cover Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay areas
The Miles 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.
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.
Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:
“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.
“I want to thank Jason, Rob and Adrian for their advocacy and for fighting for their communities.
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:
“I’ve always said we would give the police whatever resources they need to make Queensland safe, and today’s announcement honours that commitment.
“We’re able to strengthen our police assets because of the strength of our economy and budget.
“In a state as large and decentralised as Queensland, community safety must be provided in a way that is flexible and timely.
‘That’s what this Sunshine Coast-based helicopter will provide.”
Quotes attributable to Police Minister Mark Ryan:
“As Police Minister I am very proud that we are further extending the reach of Polair capabilities across the state.
“The Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay are fast growing regions and that’s not going to stop.
“So as Jason Hunt, Rob Skelton and Adrian Tantari have made very clear on behalf of their communities, we need to continue to enhance our investments in community safety.”
Quotes attributable to Caloundra MP Jason Hunt:
“This is great news for people on the Sunshine Coast.
“I’ve heard first hand from police just how much difference a Polair helicopter makes to police operations on the ground in Townsville.
“To see that same aerial police capability coming to the Sunshine Coast is very gratifying.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton:
“I would like to thank the Premier and the Police Minister for so wholeheartedly listening and responding to the arguments Jason and I have put forward in favour of Polair on the Sunshine Coast.
“As police say, a Polair helicopter capability makes a very real difference to their ground operations.
“It makes challenging police operations safer for the community and safer for the police on the ground.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari:
“Thank you to the Premier and Police Minister for responding to my community’s overwhelming call for a new Polair helicopter to service the Hervey Bay region.
“I know this announcement will be welcomed by our hardworking police and ensure that they have the best tools available to combat crime in the Wide Bay.”
Quotes attributable to Commissioner of Police Steve Gollschewski:
“Having a helicopter dedicated to policing operations across the North Coast Region from the Sunshine Coast to Wide Bay-Burnett will help keep the community and our police safe.
“Aerial assets are a game-changer in the way police track offenders, search for missing people and gain extensive situational awareness from above.
“Bolstering resources for police will help our frontline now and into the future as the organisation continues to grow.”
