Police helicopter operations have been strengthened on the Sunshine Coast and extended to Moreton Bay.
Backed by almost $23 million over three years in the state government’s first budget, the enhanced POLAIR services are expected to take the region’s crime fighting capability to new heights.
The funding secured upgraded equipment on existing aircraft, and it permanently bases trained POLAIR Tactical Flight Officers on the Sunshine Coast. It will also extend aerial coverage into the fast-growing Moreton Bay region.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the investment was critical to making the Sunshine Coast safer.
“(The state government) is restoring safety where you live and giving our hardworking police the tools and resources they need,” he said.
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“$22.8 million over three years will help boost aerial crime-fighting capabilities and ensure there’s a watchful eye in the sky for our police when it’s needed most.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie, on site at the Caloundra Airport on Friday, said the expansion was about giving police key tools.
“(The state government) is making Queensland safer by backing our police with the resources, laws and support they need,” he said.
“We’ve locked it in and expanded it, because community safety doesn’t come with an expiry date.
“This investment means more eyes in the sky, faster response times on the ground, and stronger support for frontline officers keeping Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay families safe.”
Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said the expanded POLAIR capability was a major win for Sunshine Coast families.
“(The state government) has stepped up and locked in this critical POLAIR capability because the Sunshine Coast deserves real protection,” she said.
Chief Inspector Daniel Bust said the Sunshine Coast POLAIR capability was already delivering for the region, after it launched in September, 2024.
“Throughout 2025, the Sunshine Coast-based aircraft has achieved strong results for the community, directly assisting local police with hundreds of operational tasks and offender apprehensions,” he said.
In 2025, there were 449 flights. The service responded to: 133 Code 1 and 2 calls for service within 12 minutes; 82 domestic and family violence calls for service; 139 stolen vehicle reports; and there were 221 offenders arrested.
“Expanding this into a full POLAIR capability for the next three years introduces trained Tactical Flight Officers performing specialist roles onboard, further strengthening our ability to support districts and keep communities safe,” he said.
“These outcomes are the result of strong collaboration with Surf Life Saving Queensland and ensuring every POLAIR deployment is aligned with operational priorities on the ground.”
