STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 2:30PM, TUESDAY JUNE 5, 2007 - BUDGET DELIVERS POLICE PLANE TO THE TORRES STRAIT
Published Tuesday, 05 June, 2007 at 02:29 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
Policing in the Torres Strait is set to receive a significant boost, with the 2007-08 State budget providing funding for the acquisition and operation of an additional police aircraft.
Treasurer Anna Bligh announced today, the budget delivers $2.6 million for the initial set up of the new Police Air Wing to be based at Horn Island.
A further $2.3 million will be delivered over the next four years for on-going operation and maintenance.
“This new aircraft will allow police to respond quickly to incidents occurring anywhere in the Torres Strait,” Ms Bligh said.
“The aircraft and its team will also be able to provide considerable assistance in search and rescue operations.”
Ms Bligh said the budget allocation not only covers the purchase of the plane, but also other associated costs.
“The funding includes the purchase of two pilot houses and the construction of an aircraft hangar, office facilities and a tractor for towing,” Ms Bligh said.
“The people of the Torres Strait will now be better served by the Queensland Police Service.”
Police Minister Judy Spence said police have identified the Britten-Norman Islander as the most suitable aircraft for Torres Strait conditions.
“The Britten-Norman Islander can carry 10 people and it’s short landing and take-off capabilities make it ideal for islands in the Torres Strait with shorter runways,” Ms Spence said.
“The people of the Torres Strait deserve the same levels of policing available on the mainland,” Ms Spence said.
“It is not acceptable for people in the Torres Strait for police to have to rely on a charter aircraft to attend to policing issues.”
Ms Spence said the Beattie Government decided to fund the aircraft, despite a lack of support from the Commonwealth.
“The State Government previously lobbied the Federal Government for funding support in this area, but it has continually turned its back on the Torres Strait.
“This new State Government funding shows the Beattie Government will not allow any Queenslanders to be left behind.”
Media Contact: Treasurer’s Office: Steve Keating 3224 4379, 0408 720 081
Minister Spence’s Office: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287
Treasurer Anna Bligh announced today, the budget delivers $2.6 million for the initial set up of the new Police Air Wing to be based at Horn Island.
A further $2.3 million will be delivered over the next four years for on-going operation and maintenance.
“This new aircraft will allow police to respond quickly to incidents occurring anywhere in the Torres Strait,” Ms Bligh said.
“The aircraft and its team will also be able to provide considerable assistance in search and rescue operations.”
Ms Bligh said the budget allocation not only covers the purchase of the plane, but also other associated costs.
“The funding includes the purchase of two pilot houses and the construction of an aircraft hangar, office facilities and a tractor for towing,” Ms Bligh said.
“The people of the Torres Strait will now be better served by the Queensland Police Service.”
Police Minister Judy Spence said police have identified the Britten-Norman Islander as the most suitable aircraft for Torres Strait conditions.
“The Britten-Norman Islander can carry 10 people and it’s short landing and take-off capabilities make it ideal for islands in the Torres Strait with shorter runways,” Ms Spence said.
“The people of the Torres Strait deserve the same levels of policing available on the mainland,” Ms Spence said.
“It is not acceptable for people in the Torres Strait for police to have to rely on a charter aircraft to attend to policing issues.”
Ms Spence said the Beattie Government decided to fund the aircraft, despite a lack of support from the Commonwealth.
“The State Government previously lobbied the Federal Government for funding support in this area, but it has continually turned its back on the Torres Strait.
“This new State Government funding shows the Beattie Government will not allow any Queenslanders to be left behind.”
Media Contact: Treasurer’s Office: Steve Keating 3224 4379, 0408 720 081
Minister Spence’s Office: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287