- New $484,000 law enforcement jet boat delivered
to WA Police Force
- 7.6m vessel to service Peel region, expanding
Water Police fleet
- Part of Cook Government's ongoing commitment to
equip Force with world leading operational assets
Western
Australians are set to benefit from increased WA Police Force resources,
following the delivery of a new 7.6 metre diesel powered jet boat, funded by
the Cook Government.
Located
in Mandurah, the $484,000 vessel enhances the capability of the Peel Water
Police, enabling faster response times to incidents in local estuaries, canals,
and up to 80 nautical miles (approx. 150 kilometres) of coastline.
The
jet boat is powered by a 215 kilowatt 6-cylinder Steyr engine, producing 292
horsepower through a Hamilton Jet propulsion system.
Supplied
by Dongara Marine, the vessel is extremely manoeuvrable and has a top speed in
excess of 30 knots. Its shallow draft makes it ideal for accessing the upper
reaches of local waterways.
This is the second vessel of its kind added to WA Police
Force operational assets.
The craft is equipped with high-tech electronics
including navigation, radio, and safety equipment. It can carry six people, and
has a folding front door allowing ready access for the recovery and rescue of
persons in the water.
Comments attributed to Police Minister Paul
Papalia:
"The
new jet boat gives Water Police greater ability to crackdown on illegal
activity in our estuaries and further offshore.
"Able
to unleash close to 300 horsepower from the 6-cylinder diesel engine, this
vessel allows officers to rapidly respond to a range of situations, including
criminal activity, and marine rescues.
"This
is just the latest big ticket upgrade the Cook Government has delivered to WA
Police, with the Force recently acquiring two new Airbus H145 helicopters, two BearCat
armoured vehicles, and two Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats.
"We
will continue to support the WA Police Force and ensure it leads the world in
high-tech policing to help
keep our community safe."
Comments attributed to Police Commissioner
Col Blanch:
"This
jet boat is the second vessel of its kind in the Water Police fleet, enhancing our
capability to respond to emergency situations, particularly in the Peel region.
"The
Australia Day long weekend is always a popular time for West Aussies to be on
the water, and this year WA Police have an additional asset to help keep our
waterways safe."
Comments attributed to Mandurah MLA David
Templeman:
"The Mandurah Estuary and canals are incredible
locations which are becoming increasingly popular for water sports and other activities.
"I'm pleased the Cook Government is helping
to keep the community safe by resourcing our local police officers with state-of-the-art
equipment like this new jet boat."
Comments attributed to Dawesville MLA Lisa
Munday:
"Everyone has a right to feel safe in and around
our waterways.
"The new vessel will be of great benefit to
the region, and all who visit.
"I'm proud to be part of the Cook Government which has delivered this additional police
boat, improving officers' ability to respond to emergencies."
