The Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay will have a police helicopter this year.
The State Government said the decision follows advice from Queensland Police and strong advocacy from Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay MPs on behalf of their local communities.
The Government said Polair operational capabilities have proved extraordinarily successful in South-East Queensland and in Townsville.
The chopper will be able to assist police officers conducting operations across the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay.
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.
“Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay communities have unfortunately experienced a number of very serious stolen vehicle incidents,” Premier Steven Miles said.
“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,” he said.
Caloundra Labour MP Jason Hunt said “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.”
The Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said “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,” he said.
