Whether it’s a set of keys left poolside, a forgotten jumper at the library, or a misplaced phone at the Events Centre, Cook Shire Council is making it easier for residents and visitors to reconnect with belongings lost at Council facilities.
Council has a clear and consistent lost property process across its public facilities, helping ensure found items are handled safely, securely, and responsibly.
The process applies to the following Council venues:
- Cooktown Events Centre
- Cooktown Swimming Pool
- Cook Shire Libraries
What to do if you’ve lost an item
If you believe you’ve left something behind at one of Council’s facilities, residents are encouraged to speak with staff as soon as possible or contact the relevant venue directly.
To help staff locate lost items quickly, provide:
- A description of the item
- The approximate date it was lost
- Where you think it may have been left
How lost property is managed
When items are handed in at a Council facility, staff will:
- Record the item in the Lost Property Register
- Store the item securely in a designated area
Follow Council procedures for handling and safekeeping
Valuable items such as phones, wallets, jewellery, and keys are transferred directly to the Queensland Police Service for safekeeping.
How long items are kept
Lost property is held for up to three months.
If items remain unclaimed after this period, they may be donated, disposed of, or otherwise managed in line with Council procedures.
For health, safety, and hygiene reasons, Council is unable to store perishable, hazardous, or inappropriate items.
A simple tip to help
Labelling personal belongings where possible can make it much easier for staff to identify and return lost items quickly.
For lost property enquiries, community members can contact or visit the facility where the item may have been misplaced. Council staff are always happy to help.