Cook Shire Council will shortly undertake approved maintenance works along a section of mangroves on Sherrin Esplanade, Cooktown, between the Bowls Club and the Coast Guard lease area.
These works are scheduled to commence frm 16 October 2025 (pending favourable tides).
These works involve the trimming and control of mangrove regrowth to maintain visibility and safe access along the Esplanade. All works will be carried out strictly in accordance with the conditions of an existing State Government development approval (Ref: 2009CA0227), which permits controlled removal and trimming of marine plants within this designated area.
Council wishes to assure the community that these works are fully authorised and compliant with Queensland legislation, including the Planning Act 2016 and Fisheries Act 1994. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) have reviewed and confirmed the validity of the approval and associated environmental conditions.
These maintenance works are important for public safety, amenity and preservation of existing infrastructure, and will be carried out using environmentally responsible methods that minimise disturbance and protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. All debris will be removed from tidal land and any disturbed areas will be restored in accordance with permit requirements.
Council thanks residents for their understanding and cooperation while this important maintenance is undertaken.