The size and the remoteness of Cook Shire and its exposure to potentially serious weather events ensures that Council understands its need to be diligent, vigilant and well prepared for a wide range of disaster events. A Local Disaster Management Group meets regularly to develop effective disaster management planning and capacity.
For up to date information in the case of an emergency event please click on the image below to visit Cook Shire Council's Emergency Management Dashboard
In the event of a cyclone or other severe weather or disaster event, the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) will commence its public notification processes to inform the community of what to expect and how best to prepare properties and family members for any situation.
In the event of a disaster, the quickest and most up-to-date sources of local disaster preparedness and weather information are and will be available from:
Other methods of communication may include:
The best place to be during a disaster is in your own home or the home of a friend or family member. Choosing to shelter in a designated place of refuge should be an option of last resort.
If you feel unsafe in your home and you have nobody else to shelter with before a cyclone or other disaster event, make sure you are aware of where the Cook Shire place of refuge is located. The Cook Shire Place of Refuge is located at the PCYC Cooktown Events Centre, 3 May Street.
The Bureau of Meteorology keeps the public informed by providing advice in the form of cyclone warnings, watches and severe weather warnings.
A cyclone watch is issued at six hourly intervals if a cyclone or potential cyclone exists and there is a likelihood gale force winds or stronger will affect coastal or island communities within the next 24 to 48 hours. A cyclone warning is issued at three hourly intervals if gale force winds or stronger are expected to affect coastal or island communities within the next 24 hours. Warnings are updated every hour when a cyclone is close to landfall.
A severe weather warning may be issued if the system is no longer a cyclone but communities are still being threatened by damaging winds, flooding rains or pounding seas. Damage caused by a tropical cyclone can easily be kept to a minimum by taking preventative measures before the cyclone season arrives (usually November to April).
ABN: 45 425 085 688
10 Furneaux Street Cooktown, Qld 4895
Mail: PO Box 3 Cooktown, Qld 4895
Email: mail@cook.qld.gov.au
Phone: (07) 4069 5444
Fax: (07) 4082 0588
Hours: 8.45am-4.45pm Monday to Friday