A future Deb Frecklington LNP Government will deliver a police helicopter for North Queensland to bring down the region’s soaring crime rates.
The chopper would be equipped with Forward Looking Infrared Camera (FLIR) technology and will be an eye in the sky over North Queensland if the LNP is elected in 2020.
Ms Frecklington said air power was needed to tackle the surge in car crime and break-ins Townsville has suffered since Annastacia Palaszczuk became Premier.
“Police choppers have proved their worth in the Southeast and it’s time for North Queensland to get one too,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Townsville is facing a law and order crisis because the Palaszczuk Government is pathetically soft on crime.
“An LNP Government will give our police the equipment and resources they need to fight crime.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk has ignored the needs of regional Queensland – but I won’t.
“I am determined to protect communities right across Queensland and crack down on Labor’s crime wave.”
Since Annastacia Palaszczuk became Premier, Townsville has seen a 113% increase in robberies, as well as huge rises in car theft (up 52%), break-ins (up 42%) and assaults (up 35%).
Shadow Police Minister Trevor Watts said the Townsville-based chopper would cost $3 million a year but would be invaluable to police officers on the ground in North Queensland.
“The last LNP Government provided two Polair choppers for Southeast Queensland and they are now an integral part of the police service,” Mr Watts said.
“They hugely increase the ability of police to track offenders and safely apprehend them.
“North Queensland Police clearly need more resources and tougher laws – that’s what a Deb Frecklington LNP Government will give them.
“We will end Labor’s North Queensland crime wave and make protecting the public a priority.”