POLAIR: Permanent eye in the sky to make the Far North safer

I am so pleased to welcome a permanent POLAIR helicopter to Cairns, marking a major step forward in strengthening community safety across Far North Queensland.

The official launch of the Queensland Police Service POLAIR base in Cairns marks a major step forward in restoring safety and dignity in our communities.

When you hear the helicopter overhead, it should serve as a reminder that our government is delivering on what we said we would do, backing our police with the resources they need to keep Queenslanders safe.

This announcement confirms that, for the first time in Queensland’s history, the entire top half of the State now has permanent aerial police coverage, with a dedicated helicopter based right here in Cairns. Supported by additional aircraft in Townsville, this creates a coordinated northern aerial policing network that can respond quickly, effectively and when it matters most.

This is something our community has been calling for.

Far North Queensland is vast, complex and often challenging to police. For too long, response times and access to resources have been impacted by distance, terrain and limited capability. Communities across the region have felt that, particularly in the face of rising youth crime and repeat offending. This matters because when incidents occur, every second counts, and having the right resources in place can be the difference between prevention and escalation.

This investment changes that.

With a permanent POLAIR presence based in Cairns, police now have a constant eye in the sky, ready to respond across the region from Cardwell through to the Cape. The helicopter can be airborne within minutes, supporting officers on the ground with real time intelligence, tracking offenders, locating missing persons and assisting in high risk situations.

This is about giving police the tools they need to do their job effectively and to keep our communities safe.

The aircraft itself brings significant new capability. Equipped with advanced technology, including infrared systems, it can operate day or night, providing continuous support across some of the most remote and challenging areas of the State. It also strengthens coordination between regions, with Townsville aircraft available to provide backup during peak demand or major incidents.

It means faster responses, stronger support for frontline officers and greater coverage across communities that have too often felt the impact of distance and limited resources. It also provides reassurance to residents who want to know that help is close by when they need it most.

This initiative forms part of a broader commitment to restoring community safety.

Alongside stronger laws, increased police recruitment and targeted action to address youth crime, expanding aerial capability ensures that enforcement is backed by the resources required to be effective. More than 1,600 new officers have joined the Queensland Police Service in recent times, and investments like this ensure those officers are properly supported in their work.

This is already making a difference, with a reduction in victim numbers showing that a balanced approach of enforcement, intervention and support is beginning to turn the tide.

The permanent POLAIR presence in Cairns is a significant milestone for our region and part of a broader commitment to delivering safer streets now and into the future.

Most importantly, it shows that Far North Queensland has been heard, and that real action is being taken to deliver the safety our communities deserve.