The Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison today announced that Customs Coastwatch had selected a preferred tenderer for a new, long-term contract to deliver helicopter surveillance and response services in the Torres Strait.

Senator Ellison said Australian Helicopters Pty Ltd (AHPL) would operate this vital border protection service for a further 12 years, as recommended by a detailed tender evaluation process.

AHPL has been operating the Coastwatch helicopter surveillance and response service in the Torres Strait since 1995, with the current contract due to expire in June 2007.

Senator Ellison said the new agreement, valued at approximately $100 million over the life of the contract, would commence in July 2007, after a transition period.

"AHPL will operate two Coastwatch helicopters, based on Horn Island in the Torres Strait. Under the new contract, the existing Bell Longranger IV single engine helicopter will be replaced by a new AS350B3 Squirrel that will provide greater speed and operating range.

"The Bell 412 EP twin-engine helicopter will continue to be used but it will offer enhanced capabilities due to an upgrade to its electro-optical systems and other improved technology.

"The helicopters form a vital part of Customs efforts to detect and deter illegal activity such as drug and people smuggling, illegal fishing and environmental offences in the Torres Strait. They will augment Coastwatch's other aerial surveillance assets in this remote but sensitive area.

"Together with regular patrols by Customs National Marine Unit and Royal Australian Navy patrol vessels, and a new, experimental High Frequency Surface Wave Radar system, the helicopters help to ensure that our vital northern sea lanes and islands are closely monitored and protected."

Senator Ellison said the selection process carried out by Customs Coastwatch had been extremely comprehensive and rigorous, with a feature being extensive consultation with industry and thorough probity assessments.

He said the Torres Strait helicopter service, also known as the Service B contract, was one of two tender processes conducted simultaneously by Customs Coastwatch as part of its Civil Maritime Surveillance (CMS04) contract.

"The Government expects to announce the preferred tenderer for the Service A contract, that will provide the main Coastwatch inshore and offshore surveillance service, later this year," Senator Ellison said.

Editors note:
High resolution photos and digital video footage of the current Coastwatch helicopters are available by contacting Customs Corporate Communication on 02 6275 6793.

Media note:
Images available from Customs image gallery

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Carly Phillips (02) 6277 7260 / 0400 512 696