MEDIA RELEASE | Revitalisation of Charlotte Street to commence

“Charlotte Street is the commercial heart of Cooktown and an important thoroughfare through town. Council has worked very hard to address community concerns about traffic safety, more parking and better footpaths, while maintaining and preserving the street’s historical heritage aesthetic,” said Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott.

Pictured above left to right: Project Engineer, Manohar Rajashekhar; Cook Shire Mayor, Peter Scott and Director Infrastructure, David Klye, onsite at Charlotte Street in Cooktown

Stage 1 of the works will commence on Monday 12 April 2021 and will focus on the section of Charlotte Street from the Boundary Street intersection to Hogg Street. Works will include an upgrade of the road surface, installation of kerbing, sealed parking lanes, drainage improvements, traffic lane treatments and construction of a shared pathway.

The project costing more than $769,000 is jointly funded between the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery Program, which is providing $384,500, with the balance from the Queensland Government’s Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS). 

Federal Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch said “These works will provide a facelift for the Cooktown community’s main road and I am proud to be a part of a Government that provides these much needed programs to local Council’s to improve a rural town’s liveability.”

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui adding that the project would provide an important shot in the arm for local jobs and industry during construction. “Cooktown has so much to offer, and this latest upgrade will help revitalise and provide an ongoing benefit for the community’s commercial hub,” Ms Lui said.

“I’m proud the Palaszczuk Government has been able to help fund this program as part of its record $1.8 billion investment for better roads and transport in the Far North.

“It’s a great example of what can happen when all levels of government work together for our community.”

The community is advised that due to the scope of works being undertaken, there will be some temporary closures and detours put in place along sections of Charlotte Street. Council will make every effort to ensure that impact to residents and visitors is minimised. Signage will be utilised to redirect traffic, with residents and business owners provided guided access to their properties. Where required, the existing pedestrian pathway will divert around the construction works.

Residents and businesses who are directly impacted have been informed to request visitors and patrons to avoid parking on Charlotte Street.

This stage of works is scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2021 with future stages planned that will extend and include the wharf area.

For more information contact the Infrastructure Department by email to mail@cook.qld.gov.au or by phone on 4082 0500.

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