RSBM
Police currently have drones out during the search. There are also thermal imaging cameras that NSW Polair use.
Have not yet heard if they are using the thermal imaging in this case.
BBM
Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District with assistance from the NSW Police Dog Unit,
specialist drones, SES volunteers, NSW Surf Lifesaving and members of the community have conducted extensive land, air and sea searches to the east and north-east of town, as well as near Belongil Beach and Cape Byron.
Latest News - NSW Police Public Site
The new aircraft was expected to be delivered in 2010-11. ''The new state-of-the-art twin-engine Polair is designed for night work, including low-level flying, and will have improved surveillance capability with thermal imaging recording cameras,'' she said.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/safety-rules-will-ground-nsw-police-helicopters-20091003-gh7h.html