Townsville POLAIR expands to fight North Queensland crime

• North Queensland Police aerial crime-fighting capability expands with new helicopter joining its fleet.
• Since October 2024, POLAIR Townsville has helped arrest more than 200 offenders, recovered 45 stolen vehicles and located six missing people.
• Crisafulli Government delivering on its commitment to give police the tools they need to drive down crime. 

The Crisafulli Government has bolstered the aerial crime-fighting capability of POLAIR in North Queensland expanding the helicopter fleet in Townsville.   

The new Bell 429 helicopter, named POLAIR 6, was formally introduced during a traditional blessing ceremony by the Queensland Police Chaplain in Townsville alongside the Minister for Police and Emergency Services honouring both aviation and police traditions. 

This helicopter joins the current EC135 POLAIR helicopter in Townsville which has assisted with protecting North Queensland communities with more than 210 arrests in the past eight months, recovered 45 stolen cars, responded to 119 domestic and family violence incidents and located six missing people.  

The POLAIR team responds to urgent jobs as far south as Proserpine, west to Charters Towers, and north to Cairns. 

The arrival of the Bell 429 will provide POLAIR with backup and a continuity of service in the event of maintenance and mechanical issues.  

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the operational figures proved the importance of the QPS aerial presence in North Queensland. 

“Townsville has been the epicentre of crime under Labor, so it is critical we continue to support police on the frontline with equipment and resources they need,” Minister Purdie said.  

“Having an extra chopper as backup in times of maintenance will help ensure a seamless crime-fighting service.”  

In the last decade, under Labor’s weak laws and fewer police, robbery increased by 100 per cent, stolen cars increased by 91 per cent and unlawful entries rose 28 per cent. 

Officer in Charge of POLAIR Senior Sergeant Tony Lawliss said Polair helicopters are critical crime-fighting assets.  

“They act as the eyes and ears, and coordination point from the sky, ensuring that each mission is executed with precision and purpose,” Senior Sergeant Lawliss said. 

ENDS