New Police chopper to be ‘eyes in the sky’ for Cairns

• Following strong advocacy from Cairns MPs on behalf of their communities, the Miles Government will fund a police helicopter for Cairns and the Far North in the Community Safety Plan
• Police advise Polair aircraft will enhance police operational capability in Cairns
• New Polair helicopter operations will cover Cairns and the Far North

The Miles Government will provide the Queensland Police Service with funding to establish a Polair helicopter capability for Cairns and the Far North.

The decision follows advice from Queensland Police and strong advocacy from Cairns MPs on behalf of their local communities.

Polair operational capabilities have proved extraordinarily successful in South-East Queensland and in Townsville.

Police advise that Polair capability can significantly enhance police operations in regional areas.

Polair helicopters deliver advanced camera, thermal imaging and night vision capability.

Polair aircraft are deployed on a daily basis to assist police operations including tracking offenders, surveillance operations and search and rescue missions.

This new Polair capability will be able to assist police officers conducting operations across Cairns and the Far North.

The Queensland Police Service will now embark on a process to establish an interim capability ahead of a full procurement process to secure an appropriate aircraft and operator for a permanent and dedicated capability for the region.

Timeframes for its commencement will be announced following market sounding for an interim solution.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“My first funding decision as Premier was to give Townsville’s cops the eye in the sky capability they asked for.

“They told me it would help them track criminals quicker, to stop them before they go on to commit even more offences. It’s had incredible success in its first few months.

“Police and local members tell me Cairns would benefit from similar capabilities, off the back of record growth in the region. Which is why we have included them in the Community Safety Plan. 

“Their advocacy has brought this matter into sharp focus and I’m proud that our government can deliver the funding needed to establish Polair in the Far North.

“It’s this strong action Queenslanders can expect from me and my government as we equip our police with the tools they need to ensure Queenslanders are safe and feel safe.”

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.

“Cairns is a fast growing region and that’s not going to stop.

“So as our local MPs have made very clear on behalf of their communities, we need to continue to enhance our investments in community safety.”

Quotes attributable to Cairns MP Michael Healy:

“This is great news for Cairns.

“I have heard first hand from police officers just how much difference a Polair helicopter makes to police operations.

“To see that aerial police capability coming to Cairns is very gratifying.”

Quotes attributable to Barron River MP Craig Crawford:

“I would like to thank the Premier and the Police Minister for backing this investment in Polair.

“Poliar capability will greatly enhance police operations here in the Far North.”

Quotes attributable to Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt:

“Police work hard in Cairns and the Far North every day to keep the community safe.

“Our hardworking police thoroughly deserve every assistance the government can provide, and Polair is a great investment for police and for the community.”

Quotes attributable to Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski:

“Having a helicopter dedicated to policing operations will help protect both the Far North community and our police.

“We are committed to keeping our community safe while ensuring they feel safe as well.

“Bolstering resources for police will help our frontline now and into the future as the organisation continues to grow.”

ENDS