POLAIR police operations on the Sunshine Coast will extend into the Moreton Bay region thanks to a $22.8 million three-year funding deal from the Queensland Government.
The state government says the funding will secure equipment upgrades on aircraft and permanently base POLAIR tactical flight officers on the Sunshine Coast.
Police Minister Dan Purdie says the expansion is about giving police the tools they need.
“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,” he says.
MP for Caloundra Kendall Morton says the POLAIR expansion is a major win for Sunshine Coast families.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie says the investment is critical to making the Sunshine Coast safer.
“$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,” he says.
Chief Inspector Daniel Bust says the Sunshine Coast-based aircraft have already been delivering for the state.
“Throughout 2025, the Sunshine Coast-based aircraft achieved strong results for the community, directly assisting local police with hundreds of operational tasks and offender apprehensions,” he says.
“Expanding this into full 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.”
Chief-Ins Bust says the new changes will allow every POLAIR deployment to align with operational priorities on the ground.
POLAIR BY THE NUMBERS
The government is claiming that in 12 months, frontline police numbers were boosted by 472 officers.
Since January 1, 2025, the Sunshine Coast POLAIR base delivered:
