Cook Shire Council is taking an innovative approach to tackling water loss…
Danny the leak detection dog and his handler set to arrive in the region this May, bringing technology typically used in major city networks to remote communities.
“This is the kind of technology you’d usually see in large urban networks, and we’re now trialling it here in Cook Shire,” Mayor Holmes said.
The highly trained team will begin work in Cooktown from 18 May 2026, inspecting approximately 70 kilometres of water network over five days, before moving on to Lakeland, Laura and Coen.
Mayor Robyn Holmes said the initiative reflects Council’s focus on working smarter to manage water infrastructure, reduce waste, and minimise long-term costs across the Shire.
“This is the kind of technology you’d usually see in large urban networks, and we’re now trialling it here in Cook Shire,” Mayor Holmes said.
“In a region like ours, where every litre counts and every dollar matters, finding leaks early can make a significant difference.”
Using advanced scent detection, Danny can identify treated water escaping from underground pipes—pinpointing leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed for long periods.
Early detection of leaks within major water infrastructure helps Council identify and repair issues before they escalate into larger failures requiring emergency works. Historically, some underground leaks are only discovered once a pipe bursts, which can result in significant water loss, costly repairs, unexpected service interruptions, and unplanned impacts on the broader community.
“In a region like ours, where every litre counts and every dollar matters, finding leaks early can make a significant difference.”
By locating leaks earlier, Council can better plan and prioritise maintenance and repairs, helping to reduce downtime, minimise disruption, and improve the long-term reliability of the water network.
The project was initially identified as funding dependent in Council’s 2025–26 Operational Plan but was brought forward after a mid-year review confirmed savings within the budget.
Mayor Holmes said the project demonstrates Council’s commitment to reinvesting savings into practical initiatives that deliver long-term value for the community.
Following the Cooktown survey, the team will inspect approximately 8 kilometres of network in both Lakeland and Laura, before completing the program in Coen.
The initiative also aligns with Council’s broader Find & Fix Leaks campaign, which encourages proactive water management across the community. Residents are encouraged to regularly check for concealed leaks at home, as even small leaks can contribute to unnecessary water loss and higher water bills over time.
Council advises there will be no disruption to water supply during the survey works.
Residents can learn more about how to identify and fix leaks by visiting Council’s Find & Fix Leaks webpage.
For more information and interview opportunities, please contact Cook Shire Council’s Media and Communications team via email to mail@cook.qld.gov.au or by phoning 4082 0500.
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“In a region like ours, where every litre counts and every dollar matters, finding leaks early can make a significant different.”
Picture above (top): Dennis Gannaway from Bellden Environmental Services with Danny the detection dog and (above right), Danny relaxing after a hard days work helping clients find , so they fix, concealed water leaks.