Cooktown is set to receive a major boost in disaster preparedness and community infrastructure, with funding now secured for the construction of a brand-new Resilience and Learning Hub.
The project, led by Cook Shire Council, will deliver a purpose-built facility that significantly enhances regional disaster response capability while also creating flexible spaces to support learning, training, and community engagement. As part of the planning process, Council will also explore opportunities for the Hub to accommodate key community services—such as the Cooktown Library—to better meet the needs of a growing population.
The $4.685 million project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP) and the Local Recovery and Resilience Grant (LRRG), in association with Cook Shire Council. The Queensland Government is contributing $3.275 million. The remaining $1.41 million is being delivered through the LRRG and Council’s own-source funds.
Mayor Robyn Holmes said the Hub responds directly to two of the most urgent needs identified by the community and emergency services.
“Tropical Cyclone Jasper and associated flooding reinforced that our community needs a fit-for-purpose disaster coordination centre that keeps people safe and services connected during extreme events. This new facility will be designed for that exact purpose,” Mayor Holmes said.
“It also gives us the opportunity to strengthen community resilience and support lifelong learning in a space designed to grow with us. This is about more than simply constructing a new facility—it’s about protecting lives, bringing people together, and creating a space where our community can grow, learn, and thrive.”
Located adjacent to Council’s main administration building on Hope Street, the Hub will operate year-round as a central community facility and transform into a fully equipped Local Disaster Coordination Centre during emergencies, enabling stronger coordination across all levels of government and emergency services. The facility will also enhance the region’s resilience by supporting coordination efforts across nearby communities throughout Cape York Peninsular.
Community input will play a key role in shaping the final design. Council is committed to ensuring the Hub reflects local needs, and consultation will be undertaken during the design phase to gather feedback on the building’s layout, accessibility, and functionality.
Construction is anticipated to commence in 2026, for completion in 2027.
Council encourages community members to stay engaged and have their say during the design process, with consultation opportunities to be announced soon.
This announcement marks the beginning of a landmark infrastructure project that will support safety, learning, and community wellbeing for generations to come.
Read the full Ministerial Announcement here.
To stay informed or get involved in the consultation process, contact Council via email at mail@cook.qld.gov.au or phone 4082 0500.
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“Tropical Cyclone Jasper and associated flooding reinforced that our community needs a fit-for-purpose disaster coordination centre that keeps people safe and services connected during extreme events. This new facility will be designed for that exact purpose…”
Pictured top: Mason Sykes photographed on Mungumby Bridge just after the TC Japser Floods in December 2023
Pictured above: The Resilience and Learning Hub is proposed to be locaated adjacent to Council’s Main Administration Building on Hope Street, Cooktown.