Mayor Robyn Holmes and Chief Executive Officer Brian Joiner recently welcomed Matt Smith MP, Member for Leichhardt, and Bree James MP, Member for Barron River, to Cooktown for discussions on key issues affecting the Shire.

As part of the visit, Mayor Holmes and Brian Joiner took Bree James MP on a brief tour of Cooktown, highlighting key sites including the State Government Housing development project, the Events Centre, the Water Treatment Plant, and the Wharf and Waterfront.

The discussions covered a range of priorities for the region. Environmental challenges across the Cape, particularly waste management, were a key focus, along with road funding and the allocation of resources for major routes such as the Peninsula Developmental Road.

The need for an aged care facility in Cooktown to serve residents from Cook, Hope Vale, and Wujal Wujal Shires was also highlighted, alongside the importance of ensuring Federal Ministers are aware of the region’s challenges and encouraged to visit.

Another important topic was the seabed levelling of the Endeavour River, aimed at improving boat access, reinstating the safe harbour classification, and boosting tourism opportunities in Cooktown and across the Cape.

During the visit, the group also joined the community in welcoming the Cardiac Challenge cyclists and volunteers, celebrating the participants’ efforts and the positive impact of their journey in raising funds and awareness for heart health.

The day finished on a lighter note, with Matt Smith MP and CEO Brian Joiner standing tall — quite literally — while Mayor Holmes reminded everyone that effective advocacy isn’t about height, but about standing up for the community