At Council’s Ordinary Council meeting on Tuesday 26 November 2024, Cook Shire Council formally adopted its 2023–24 Annual Report.
The report highlights Council’s commitment to responsible financial management while navigating the unique challenges of a small ratepayer base and recovery efforts from the flooding event that followed Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
The report notes an end-of-year deficit of $12 million because Council received the $12.4 million Financial Assistance Grant from the Australian Government in early July, preventing its inclusion in the 2023–24 fiscal period. Despite this, Council has continued to deliver critical infrastructure projects, including upgrades to Cooktown’s water mains and improvements at Coen Airport, which enhance essential services and strengthen the Shire’s future resilience.
“These financial statements demonstrate that Cook Shire is in a reasonably good financial position as we transition into the next financial year.” ~ Cook Shire Mayor, Cr Robyn Holmes
Mayor Robyn Holmes emphasised the importance of balancing external funding reliance with careful financial planning. “With 83% of our budget sourced from state and federal grants, we rely on external funding to sustain local jobs and reinvest in our community. However, we have robust measures in place to address the timing of grant receipts and ensure financial stability moving forward,” she said.
“These financial statements demonstrate that Cook Shire is in a reasonably good financial position as we transition into the next financial year,” Mayor Holmes said. “We remain committed to prudent financial management while delivering vital infrastructure and supporting our community.”
Council also allocated $12.1 million to long-term provisions for rehabilitating rubbish tips and gravel quarries, reflecting its ongoing dedication to environmental sustainability and responsible planning for future obligations.
The 2023–24 Annual Report is now available to read here.
For more information, please contact Cook Shire Council at 4082 0500 or email mail@cook.qld.gov.au