Latest news and public notices

To see all Cook Shire Council's media releases and public notices, click here.

Queen's Birthday Public Holiday

Monday, October 3, is the Queen's Birthday Public Holiday. Please note Council's administration building, works depot, libraries and the Cooktown Pool will be closed for this holiday. The Laura waste transfer station will remain open as per normal advertised hours. All facilities will reopen as per normal advertised hours on Tuesday, October 4. 

Garage Sale Trail

Do you have too much bric a brac? Council is joining the national Garage Sale Trail, and encouraging Shire residents to hold a garage sale on October 22. The Garage Sale Trail event also coincides with Council's Get Ready disaster preparedness morning, which has a strong focus on removing items which could become potential flying or floating debris during a storm, flood or cyclone. Council will be holding a disaster information stall at the Cooktown markets on Saturday, October 22, and registered Garage Sale Trail participants can hold their stall there, or at their own residence on the same day. The first 10 participants to register by the October 7 deadline will receive a voucher for free general waste disposal. Register online now!

Regional Arts Development Fund open for applications

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is delivered as a partnership between Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and eligible local councils across the state. RADF promotes the role and value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers of diverse and inclusive communities and strong regions. RADF invests in local arts and cultural priorities, as determined by local communities across Queensland. Round One of the 2016-17 RADF program is open, and applications close on October 21. Click here for more information or to apply.

Biosecurity update - Varroa mite

Varroa mites were recently detected in feral Asian honey bee nests in Townsville. The mites are a serious pest and a threat to the local honey bee industry. Certain species and strains can infest European honey bees, killing off hives and severely affecting honey production and pollination services. Restrictions have been imposed on the movement of bee hives, bees, bee products (excluding honey), and used bee keeping equipment from the Townsville area to prevent any possible spread of the mite. If you see Asian honey bees or suspect your bees have been affected, phone Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or use the online reporting tool.

Rates due October 7

Rates notices will be posted from Wednesday, September 7 and are due for payment on Friday, October 7, 2016. Full payments made by this date will be eligible for an early bird discount of 10 per cent on general rates. If you have not received your rates notice by September 19, or for more information regarding individual rate notices, contact Council's Rates section.

Learn to Swim registrations open

Cook Shire Council's popular Learn to Swim program is starting in October, with programs to increase water awareness, safety, confidence and skills for babies, toddlers and children, run by qualified Austswim instructors. The weekly lessons start on October 8, and conclude on December 3. The cost is $54 for the nine lessons, which includes accompanying adult's pool entry. Registration is essential as numbers are limited. Registration closes at 4pm on Wednesday, October 5 - no late registrations will be accepted. Head to Council's office at 10 Furneaux Street or the Cooktown Pool to register.

Cooktown and Cape York Business Conference

The 2016 Cooktown and Cape York Business Conference will be held on November 3 at the Cooktown PCYC Events Centre. Speakers include Jan Becker from Becker Helicopters, Olympic Gold Medallist Duncan Armstrong, Cairns Chamber of Commerce's Deb Hancock and author Andrew Griffiths. Tickets are on sale now, with early bird pricing only $110, and available until September 30. Click here for full conference program, speaker profiles and registration. 

Constitutional Recognition of Australia's First People

The Local Government Association of Queensland, in collaboration with a Queensland Volunteer Working Group, has developed a website to increase understanding and discussion of the proposed referendum on constitutional recognition of Australia's first people. The website provides factual background to the proposed refcerendum and access to a range of articles by prominent Australians, both for and against constitutional recognition. To access the website, click here.

Cook Local Disaster Management Plan 2015/2016

Storm Tide Maps

• Cooktown/Marton Storm Tide Map
• Bloomfield/Ayton Storm Tide Map

 

Should you wish to submit to Council feedback, information, a compliment or a complaint please use the link at the bottom of this information panel.

Please make sure you include in the Subject Line of your communication the nature of your submission i.e. feedback, information, compliment or a complaint, and additional detail on the topic of your communication i.e. road maintenance, events and shows, parks and gardens. Use specific references if possible i.e. a road name and street number, dates, a lot on plan.

Please include in the body of your email:

 

• Your name and contact details (including an email address and phone number);
• Specific details as to the nature of your communication (the more detail the better);
• Whether you have contacted Council before with reference to the same issue;
• Any expected outcomes you desire;
• Details about previous communication you have received from Council about the same issue;
• Details of any specific employee who has been dealing with your issue (if applicable); and
• Any supporting documentation.

Your correspondence will be assessed by Council's records department and will be distributed to the appropriate officer. If your issue needs to be dealt with under Council's General Complaints Policy (click here to read the policy) your email will be forwarded to Council's Complaints Officer who will assess your issue and determine a course of action.

Unless your matter is urgent, please expect a response (by email, mail or phone) within one to two weeks. Urgent communications i.e those that indicate a threat to property or person, will be prioritised and should be reported to council by phone on 07 4069 5444.

If you wish to contact Council (by phone) about your submission, please ask for Council's records department who will direct you to the officer assigned to your communication.

Click Here to contact Council.