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Heads Up: Chopper activity for Scenic Rim Trail Works

Cook Shire Council is advising residents and visitors to expect increased helicopter activity, construction noise, and temporary access restrictions around the Cooktown Botanic Gardens and Scenic Rim Walking Trail precinct as restoration works get underway.

Contractors are scheduled to commence helicopter operations in the week commencing 11 May 2026
As part of the project, helicopters will be used to transport materials and equipment into difficult-to-access sections of the Scenic Rim Walking Trail network (including into Cherry Tree Bay) that were damaged in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
While Council acknowledges the additional noise and temporary disruptions may be inconvenient, these works are critical to restoring one of Cooktown’s most valued recreational and tourism assets safely and efficiently.
Due to the steep terrain and environmental sensitivities of the site, helicopter operations are considered the safest and least environmentally disruptive method of delivering materials into the work zone.
What residents can expect
During works:
  • Sections of the Scenic Rim Walking Trail will be temporarily closed to the public
  • Queens Oval (including the cricket pitch area) will be closed and used as a helicopter operations and mobilisation area
  • Residents may experience intermittent helicopter noise and increased activity in surrounding areas
Cooktown residents — particularly those living around Queens Oval, the Botanic Gardens precinct, and Grassy Hill — are most likely to be impacted by helicopter noise during operations.
Council is asking residents to:
  • Please secure pets during helicopter activity
  • Take extra care around restricted work zones
  • Plan accordingly if working shift work or sensitive to daytime noise
  • Follow all signage and directions while works are underway
Council appreciates the community’s patience and understanding while these important restoration works are completed.
The Scenic Rim Walking Trail Restoration Project will repair and upgrade sections of the approximately 5km trail network damaged during Cyclone Jasper in December 2023, improving safety, resilience, and long-term accessibility.
Works are expected to be completed by mid-July 2026, weather permitting.
For details on temporary closures and access restrictions, view the Public Notice here:
https://www.cook.qld.gov.au/2026/04/21/scenic-rim-walking-trail-temporary-closures/
For more information about the project, visit:
https://www.cook.qld.gov.au/project-updates/current-major-projects/scenic-rim-walking-trail/