Cook Shire Council and response agencies remain actively responding to the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Narelle, with significant flooding still affecting parts of the Shire — particularly north of Coen.
At the same time, planning and coordination for recovery is now underway — ensuring communities are supported not just in the immediate aftermath, but in the weeks and months ahead.
What recovery means
Recovery is about helping individuals, families, landholders and businesses get back on their feet following an event of this scale.
This includes restoring access to essential services, supporting those experiencing isolation or hardship, assessing damage to infrastructure and properties, and addressing the broader social, environmental and economic impacts being felt across the Shire.
While response crews continue their critical work on the ground, recovery efforts will begin alongside them — working directly with communities to understand needs and connect people with the right support.
A coordinated approach to recovery
To support this, the Cook Shire Local Disaster Management Group activated the Local Recovery Group on Friday 20 March.
The group will coordinate support across four key areas:
- Human & Social – supporting wellbeing and access to services
- Economic Impacts – assisting businesses and primary producers
- Environmental Impacts – addressing impacts to land and ecosystems
- Infrastructure – assessing and restoring roads, buildings and essential services
This structured approach ensures recovery is organised, locally informed, and responsive to the diverse needs across the Shire.
Need support? Reach out
For recovery assistance and enquiries:
- Phone: 4082 0500 (during office hours)
- Email: dmo@cook.qld.gov.au
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency (life-threatening): 000
- SES (storm/flood assistance): 132 500
- PoliceLink: 131 444
- Report online: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting
Transport & Road Conditions
Stay up to date with road closures and conditions:
www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/
Mental Health Support
Natural disasters can impact mental health. Support is available:
- Lifeline (24/7): 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Recovery Resources
ABC Emergency recovery information:
- https://ab.co/EmergencyRecovery
- https://ab.co/WhatToDo-PowerOutage
- https://ab.co/HowTo-MouldCleanup
- https://ab.co/HowTo-FloodRecovery
Check in on others
If you’re concerned about someone, contact PoliceLink (131 444) or report online.
You can also register or check on others via Red Cross:
https://register.redcross.org.au/