Queensland Police chopper announced for Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay

The state government will fund a police helicopter for the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay, following a plea from a Labor MP, as poll results show voter dissatisfaction.

Deputy Commissioner Cameron Harsley, Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick, Detective Inspector Chris Toohey, Caloundra MP Jason Hunt, chief inspector John Van Egmond, and Lachlan Robinson. Picture - Madeline Grace.

The State Government will provide the Queensland Police Service with funding for a Polair chopper for the Sunshine Coast and the Wide Bay, following a petition launched by a local member.

The decision follows advice from police and strong advocacy from Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay MPs on behalf of their communities.

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

The aircraft will 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, however Deputy Premier Cameron Dick said they were hoping it would be launched by mid-year.

Deputy Commissioner Cameron Harsley, Deputy Premier Cameron Dick, and Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton. Picture: Madeline Grace.

“Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay communities have unfortunately experienced a number of very serious stolen vehicle incidents,” Premier Steven Miles said in a press release.

“It’s these sorts of events that an aerial police capability can intercept, reducing the likelihood of further offending or a tragic outcome.”

The announcement comes as a poll shows satisfaction with the direction of Queensland has plunged to the lowest level in a decade with more than half of voters raising fears about its future under a Labor government.

Mr Dick, on the Sunshine Coast for the announcement, said police would be given “whatever resources they need” to make Queensland safe.

“We’re able to strengthen our police assets because of the strength of our economy and budget,” he said.

“In a state as large and decentralised as Queensland, community safety must be provided in a way that is flexible and timely.”

Deputy Premier Cameron Dick. Picture: Madeline Grace.

Mr Dick also confirmed 98 new police officers were allocated for the Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay and Moreton region.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said he was proud to further extend 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,” he said.

Deputy Premier Cameron Dick and Caloundra MP Jason Hunt. Picture: Madeline Grace.

Caloundra MP Jason Hunt launched the original petition calling for a polair chopper.

“I recently travelled to Townsville and heard first hand from police just how much difference a Polair helicopter makes to police operations on the ground,” he said.

Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton also supported the announcement.

Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari was also thankful.

“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,” he said.