Cook Shire Council is inviting the community to help shape planning for more housing and future residential growth in Cooktown, with consultation now open for the Cooktown Residential Masterplan.
The project is looking at how future housing could be supported by the roads, water, sewerage, drainage and other infrastructure needed to enable residential growth.
Community consultation has two parts.
Part 1 focuses on an Identified Priority Area already selected for detailed residential and infrastructure planning. Council is seeking feedback on housing mix, lot sizes, infrastructure, access, open space and other planning priorities within this area.
Part 2 looks further ahead, seeking community feedback on areas already identified in the Cook Shire Planning Scheme for potential future urban expansion, including which areas should be prioritised for future residential planning and whether there are other areas Council should consider.
Have your say
The easiest way to get involved is to visit the project page, view the maps and complete the short online survey.
👉 Find out how to have your say:
Prefer to talk to someone? Council is also offering three opportunities to provide feedback in person:
- Monday 7 September, 11am–6pm | Cooktown Shire Hall – drop in and speak with Council’s Planning team
- Thursday 10 September, 10.30am–2.30pm | Cooktown Shire Hall – Meet the Planner with Reel Planning
- Saturday 12 September, from 8am | Cooktown Markets – chat with Council’s Planning team at Spring into the Markets.
Feedback received through the survey and in-person consultation will be considered alongside technical investigations to inform the draft Residential Masterplan and Infrastructure Plan, as well as Council’s longer-term planning for residential growth.
The Masterplan itself does not rezone land or approve development. Any future changes to the Cook Shire Planning Scheme would be a separate process requiring Council consideration and its own statutory community consultation.
Find out more, view the maps and take the survey.
*The survey closes Monday 21 September 2026 at 4.30pm
The Cooktown Residential Masterplan Project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Scheme Supply Fund.