- Meridian Helicopters has been appointed as the successful vendor to deliver POLAIR capabilities in Townsville.
- They are part of a 10-year commitment to bolster the region’s aerial capabilities and will be operational from October 1.
- Eight specially trained police officers (Tactical Flight Officers) will also join Townsville’s POLAIR fleet.
- New aircraft will replace the two helicopters in 2026.
POLAIR will have a permanent presence in Townsville with two crime-fighting helicopters bolstering the region’s aerial capabilities.
Meridian Helicopters has been appointed as the successful contractor and will have the Airbus 135 operational in the region from October 1.
A second helicopter will also join the fleet, providing coverage for maintenance when required.
The helicopters have been supplied by Meridian Helicopters and will be replaced by two brand new Bell 429 helicopters in 2026.
Bringing with them a team of eight specially trained police officers (known as Tactical Flight Officers), the helicopters and crew will be a permanent presence in north Queensland for the next decade.
The additional aerial support will enhance Queensland’s POLAIR fleet, making it the largest aerial police capability in Australia.
The launch of Townsville’s permanent helicopters is part of a statewide expansion to bolster the QPS’s aerial capability, with additional aerial support services recently announced for the Sunshine Coast/Wide Bay regions.
This has come as the Townsville District has seen significant reductions in youth crime with a 30 percent decrease in Unlawful Use of Motor Vehicle offences, a 29 percent reduction in offences against property, and a 24 percent reduction in total youth 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, and the interim helicopter has already been a massive help to cops on the ground.
“With the addition of a second helicopter for the region, our state will have the largest aerial police fleet in the country.
“We’ve already seen a promising reduction in youth offences across the first six months of the year – down 24 per cent in Townsville compared to the same period in 2023.
“That’s my Community Safety Plan for Queensland delivering results, and while it’s early days I want to see this downward trend continue.
“I’m doing what matters to support our hardworking frontline with the tools they need to combat crime and keep Townsville safe.”
As stated by Police Minister Mark Ryan:
“Meridian Helicopters have supplied interim aerial law enforcement capability in Townsville since January 2024, supporting local police in responding to crime and other policing operations such as search and rescues.
“Having permanent eyes-in-the-sky will provide incredible operational support to the ground crews across Townsville and north Queensland, particularly during the apprehension of offenders.
“Not only that, but the State Government’s overall investment in POLAIR’s expansion will go a long way towards improving community safety across Queensland.”
As stated by Townsville MP Scott Stewart:
“As a government we will always back our police with what they need to keep the community safe.
“We’re seeing the difference the police helicopter is making which is why ensuring there is a permanent presence in Townsville is important.
“By having two helicopters in Townsville it means there will be more capacity and resources for the police to keep our community safe.”
As stated by Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski:
“Having dedicated POLAIR helicopters in Townsville will give our frontline police a significant aerial advantage when responding to crime.
“The addition of eight specially trained Tactical Flight Officers is also a major boost to the region, and part of our ongoing commitment to keeping Queenslanders safe.
“Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, such as thermal imaging cameras and advanced mapping capabilities, the helicopters are integral to reducing crime in Townsville, helping local police track stolen vehicles, arrest offenders, locate missing people, and more.”
As stated by CEO of Meridian Helicopters Geoff Keir:
“Meridian is thrilled to be a part of the expansion of north Queensland’s POLAIR fleet here in Townsville.
“The appointment of Meridian Helicopters as the provider of QPS’s POLAIR capability for the next 10 years recognises our expertise in the field, and importantly, our commitment to the geographical regions of north Queensland.”
