A second chopper to the rescue

STATE BUDGET

THE State Government will invest in a second $9 million police and medical rescue helicopter after a sharp rise in demand for the current fleet.

Flying hours for the state’s helicopter fleet have increased dramatically, up from 377 in 2014-15 to 623 in 2015-16.

The Government put the increase down to a significant rise in tourist visitors.

Tasmania relies on one police and medical helicopter, with occasional assistance of a smaller helicopter.

The Government will also invest $3.8 million in aerial fire appliances — known as snorkels — to replace existing assets built in the 1970s. They are designed to tackle fires and enable rescues from buildings.

Treasurer Peter Gutwein

“Importantly, mental health and welfare programs for members received $1.5 million ... but the association believes more funding will be required into the future,” Mr Cashion said.

He said a previously announced $3.4 million plan to roll out body cameras for police officers would have immediate benefits.

However, he said there were not enough police on the streets and called for more support of frontline officers.

Police Minister Rene Hidding said the Government was “on track” to meet a goal of 1233 full-time police officers by June next year.

The fuel reduction program has been fully funded over the forward estimates, including $500,000 a year for fuel reduction in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.