Cook Shire Council is pleased to announce the completion of the Cooktown Waterfront CCTV Safety Initiative, delivering enhanced safety and security infrastructure across some of Cooktown’s most popular public spaces.
The project has seen the installation of new standalone CCTV cameras at key locations throughout the waterfront precinct, including Lions Park, Endeavour Park and the Cooktown boat ramp. The expanded network provides increased coverage of high-use public areas, heritage assets and community facilities, helping to deter anti-social behaviour, protect public infrastructure and support law enforcement agencies when required.
Mayor Robyn Holmes said the project was a practical investment in community safety and directly responded to priorities identified by residents.
“Community safety continues to be one of the issues our residents care most about, and this project is an example of Council taking practical action to address those concerns,” Mayor Holmes said.
“The Cooktown waterfront is one of our most visited public spaces. Whether you’re a local enjoying the foreshore, a family using the playground, a fisherman launching a boat or a visitor exploring our town, everyone deserves to feel safe and welcome.”
“By expanding CCTV coverage across the waterfront precinct, we’re helping to protect important community assets, discourage anti-social behaviour and support the ongoing work of Queensland Police Service.”
David Kempton Member for Cook said the Cook Shire Council is investing in the safety of its community through Round 1 of the Crisafulli Government’s Secure Communities Partnership Program to address public safety and anti-social behaviour in Cooktown.
“By expanding its CCTV network, Cook Shire Council is supporting the community, residents and local businesses to ensure people are safe in their homes and the streets,” Mr Kempton said.
“Lions Park, Endeavour Park and the boat ramp are popular spots for families and giving them the confidence and peace of mind that comes with improved safety is exactly what the community needs and has been asking for.”
The new cameras monitor a range of significant locations and points of interest along the waterfront, including the Milbi Wall, Queens Steps, Captain James Cook statue, Musical Ship, historic cannon, Coast Guard facilities, playground areas and the boat ramp precinct.
The project was proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Secure Communities Partnerships Program and forms part of Council’s Cook Shire Community Safety Enhancement Project, identified in the 2025–26 Operational Plan and supported through actions contained within the Community Scorecard Action Plan 2025–2027.
Mayor Holmes said the project demonstrates Council’s commitment to turning community feedback into tangible outcomes.
“Our Community Scorecard provides valuable insight into the issues that matter most to residents, and community safety continues to be a priority for our community,” she said.
“This project is a great example of Council listening to the community, incorporating that feedback into our planning processes, securing external funding and then delivering real improvements on the ground.”
The Cooktown Waterfront CCTV Safety Initiative complements Council’s existing Safety Camera Network and forms part of broader efforts to enhance community safety, improve public confidence and protect valuable community infrastructure throughout the Shire.
For more information contact Cook Shire Council via email to mail@cook.qld.gov.au or by phoning 4082 0500.
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“By expanding CCTV coverage across the waterfront precinct, we’re helping to protect important community assets, discourage anti-social behaviour and support the ongoing work of Queensland Police Service.”
Pictured above: Mayor Robyn Holmes and Deputy Mayor Marilyn Morris visiting the Cooktown Lions Park which forms part of Council’s expanded CCTV network.
Pictured above: Funded by the Queensland Government’s Secure Communities Partnership Program, the project forms part of Council’s Community Safety Enhancement Project, identified in the 2025-26 Operational Plan and supported through the Community Scorecard Action Plan 2025-27.
Pictured above: New signage clearly identifies the areas now covered by the expanded CCTV network.