Media Release

Tasmania's infra-red search camera commissioned

Tasmania’s first Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) camera fitted to a search and rescue aircraft is now operational.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, John Anderson, said the state-of-the-art camera would enhance search and rescue in Tasmania.

"Search and rescue, particularly at night and in colder climates where survival times are reduced, has always been extremely challenging," Mr Anderson said. "This new camera should boost response capability to an incident in Tasmania."

The Tasmanian Minister for Police and Public Safety, Mr David Llewellyn, said he was delighted the camera had been commissioned for use.

"This camera helps to keep Tasmania’s search and rescue system at the cutting edge of available technology," he said.

"Those who use the waters around Tasmania either professionally or for recreation, will take added comfort in the commissioning of this camera."

"As an added bonus with the FLIR fitted to the helicopter, it gives the search and rescue teams an extra aid in finding bushwalkers on land, and indeed people who may get into difficulty on our inland lakes," he said.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Richard McCreadie also welcomed the new technology.

"Having access now to the FLIR camera will greatly boost our capability in virtually any conditions," he said.

"There is no doubt the camera has the potential to be a life saver and adds to the reputation of Tasmania being one of the safest places in the world".

The camera was installed on the Rotor Lift Helicopter by Hawker Pacific Australia and initial crew training has been completed.

The camera was purchased by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority with funds allocated in the Federal Budget and will be maintained by the Tasmania Police.

The FLIR camera picks out heat-generating objects like human bodies from the general environment. The cameras are most commonly used by search and rescue authorities and law enforcement agencies to locate people and vehicles at night.

The Tasmanian FLIR camera was one of three purchased by AMSA. The two other cameras have been fitted to fixed wing aircraft in Victoria and New South Wales.

Further information:

Ben Mitchell AMSA PR 0418 164 901

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