- Police 'eye in the sky' has officially launched and will be operational in Cairns.
- Meridian Helicopters has been appointed as the provider of aerial support services.
- The helicopter will be based in Cairns as part of an interim service contract, until a permanent PolAir arrangement is procured.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has expanded its aerial capabilities, with a new helicopter to service the Cairns area from mid-October.
Meridian Helicopters has been appointed as the successful contractor ahead of the procurement of a permanent POLAIR resource for the Far Northern Region.
The aerial equipment will enhance community safety, assisting police in tracking stolen vehicles, arresting offenders and locating missing persons.
The aircraft has a high-tech camera system with infrared, moving map and vehicle tracking to support law enforcement efforts, helping police effectively and efficiently respond to incidents and keep the community safe.
On board, a pilot, a police camera operator and police observer work together to assist crews on the ground.
The state-of-the-art helicopter will cover Cairns and the Far Northern Region, being able to fly long distances in short periods.
The additional aerial support will bolster Queensland's POLAIR fleet, making it the largest aerial police capability in Australia.
This has come as the Far North District (including Cairns) has seen a 22% decrease in Unlawful entry offences and an 18% decrease in Unlawful use of a motor vehicle (UUMV) offences.
This demonstrates that the Miles Government's Queensland Community Safety Plan is working, and enhancing community safety.
As stated by Premier Steven Miles:
"One of my first announcements as Premier was a Police helicopter for Townsville – something we've seen have a major impact on community safety in the region.
"That's why my Community Safety Plan for Queensland invested in that same aerial police capability for the Far North.
"Today, we sign the contract to get that eye in the sky by mid-October.
"We've already seen a promising reduction in youth offences across the first six months of the year – down 12 per cent in Far North Queensland compared to the same period in 2023.
"Now is the time to stay the course, to back our Police and give them the tools they need to keep Queenslanders safe because that's what matters."
As stated by Tourism Minister and Member for Cairns Michael Healy:
"I have heard firsthand from police officers just how much difference a dedicated helicopter makes to police operations.
"To see that aerial police capability coming to Cairns is very gratifying."
As stated by Member for Barron River Craig Crawford:
"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."
As stated by Police Minister Mark Ryan:
"This is an investment in enhancing police operational capability and therefore community safety.
"We're continuing to provide frontline police officers with advanced technology and equipment to enable a high quality of service to the community.
"I know this new chopper will make a big difference in keeping communities safe across the far north."
As stated by Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski:
"The helicopter will be a great asset to operational policing across the far north and will strengthen our efforts to keep the community and our police safe.
"Having an aerial capability to support officers on the ground will be a game-changer in the way we track offenders, search for missing people and gain situational awareness.
"I know this has been a much used and valued capability for police in Townsville and south-east Queensland so I'm looking forward to utilising it here."
As stated by CEO of Meridian Helicopters Geoff Keir:
"Meridian is thrilled to be a part of the expansion of far north Queensland's aerial capabilities here in Cairns.
"We have vast experience in flying aircraft for the police and are confident in our pilot's ability to work with the police to support the local community."
