The Queensland Government has announced an expansion of Queensland Police POLAIR operations on the Sunshine Coast, which will see aerial Police coverage extended into the fast-growing Moreton Bay region.
Backed by $22.8 million over three years, the Government says the investment locks in a permanent, fully-resourced POLAIR capability.
“$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,” said Deputy Premier, Jarrod Bleijie.
This funding secures upgraded equipment on existing aircraft and permanently bases trained POLAIR Tactical Flight Officers on the Sunshine Coast.
Since 1 January 2025, the Sunshine Coast POLAIR base has already delivered strong results for the community, including:
- 449 flights
- 133 Code 1 and 2 calls for service responded to in under 12 minutes
- 82 domestic and family violence calls for service
- 139 stolen vehicle reports
- 221 offenders arrested
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the expansion was about giving police the tools Labor refused to provide.
“The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer by backing our police with the resources, laws and support they need, not the empty promises and short-term funding Queenslanders saw during Labor’s decade of decline,” Minister Purdie said.
“Labor’s failure to properly fund POLAIR put this vital service at risk; but we’ve fixed that, 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.”
Chief Inspector Daniel Bust said the Sunshine Coast POLAIR capability was already delivering for Queensland.
“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,” Chief Inspector Bust said.
“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.
“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.”
