REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Thursday Sept 20, 2007

THE Gold Coast was a step closer to having a police helicopter after the council voted to find sponsors for a three-month trial.

Mayor Ron Clarke said the trial with a Robinson R44 helicopter would cost $175,000, but was very confident sponsors could be found to cover the cost.

“For example, Cr Dawn Crichlow has a petition going with 1850 signatures on it already and if they each chipped in $100, then you would be there,” he said.

“We will not be using any ratepayers’ money for this.

“But I’m sure there are many businesses that would like to contribute.”

Mr Clarke said he wanted to see a police helicopter equipped with a video camera in operation for the Schoolies Festival.

“It could target groups of troublemakers hanging around Schoolies from the air and it could also spot hoon drivers and radio the information to the ground, especially when police tell me it is too dangerous to chase some of them by road due to speed,’’ he said.

“The video fitted to the chopper is able to capture the details from a registration plate, which would be great in our fight against hoon drivers around the city.

“We are seeking to remove politics from this and we have said this helicopter is needed for community-based policing, so I’m hoping that Police Minister Judy Spence and the (Bligh) Government will find this an offer they can’t refuse.

“I’m confident that if the Government gives an OK to the trial, then it can be up and running quite quickly.’’