29/05/05
Frontline policing is being given a massive boost across the State with the Gallop Government's Budget also providing an additional $10million for two new aircraft.
Police Minister Michelle Roberts said two brand-new planes - the Pilatus PC-12 turbo-prop - would replace an ageing fleet with aircraft that were faster, pressurised and could carry more passengers and larger payloads.
Mrs Roberts said the Pilatus would substantially enhance police frontline capabilities around the State, including servicing the multi-functional police facilities located at remote communities.
"Our Government is committed to providing police with modern technology to make policing faster and more responsive to protecting our unique lifestyle in Western Australia," she said.
"Our State is the largest and has some of the most difficult terrain to cover when it comes to providing an effective frontline police service.
"These new planes will deliver just that with a fast, essential transport link for the Tactical Response Group and other specialised police and emergency response personnel. The Pilatus will also give police a greater capability to conduct searches and respond to a wide-range of other emergencies."
Mrs Roberts said the $10million allocation for new police planes was part of a $47.4million boost to the police budget, or a 7.2 per cent increase, to a total of $703.5million.
The Minister said the Northern Territory Police and the Royal Flying Doctor Service both used the Pilatus PC-12 and had conducted considerable feasibility studies in relation to both operational requirements and costs.
"The Pilatus has an internationally proven track record and is currently used by law enforcement agencies and medical organisations throughout the world," she said.
"These new planes will feature the latest in aviation safety technology and given our Government's commitment to occupational, health and safety standards for our police the Pilatus is the appropriate plane for the job."
Mrs Roberts said there were a number of recent police emergencies in which faster, better aircraft could have been used effectively.
"The TRG response to the Bunbury Prison siege, flying divers to the Blackwood River scene where two children drowned, transporting equipment and people to the Karijini Gorge flash flood tragedy are just a few," she said.
"There are also numerous sea and land searches where the Pilatus will provide an invaluable service.
"Where possible the aircraft will also be made available to other Government agencies with pressing transportation needs, especially in regard to servicing remote communities throughout WA."
The Minister said the new planes would be based at the Police Air Support Unit's Jandakot Operations Centre and Karratha, to enable full coverage of the State and the planes were expected to arrive early next year.
The Pilatus PC-12s can:
- fly in all weather conditions;
- cruise at speeds of at least 230 knots;
- be configured for a variety of passenger or cargo payloads;
- take off and land on unsealed airstrips;
- operate for extended periods at slower speeds for search and rescue operations;
- provide an all-round capability with flexibility and improved safety standards; and
- take off and land at airstrips as short as 750m.
Minister's office: 9213 6600
