Media Releases
Stay updated on Cook Shire Media Releases.
Lakeland Waste Transfer Station – Temporary change to opening hours
Cook Shire Council acknowledges community concerns regarding the Lakeland Waste Transfer Station (WTS) not currently being open on Saturdays and appreciates the community’s patience and understanding. Council has recently resumed management of the Lakeland WTS. During...
Event Centre Gym air-conditioning update
Cook Shire Council is advising the community that further works are required as part of the air-conditioning upgrade at the Cooktown Events Centre Gym. To allow these works to be completed, the gym’s air-conditioning system will be shut down again from Monday 19...
Cook Shire announces 2026 Australia Day Ambassador, record nominations and Citizenship Ceremony
Cook Shire Council is proud to announce Professor Peter Timms as the 2026 Australia Day Ambassador, as the community comes together to celebrate the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony on Monday 26 January 2026 in Cooktown. Professor Timms is a nationally...
Seven Seas Navigator to visit Cooktown
Cooktown is set to welcome passengers and crew from the Seven Seas Navigator cruise ship on Friday 16 January 2026, weather permitting. The ship has 496 passengers and 365 crew on board, with the first tender scheduled to arrive at the Cooktown Wharf at 12pm, bringing...
Wet season reminder: Protect yourself against melioidosis
As we move through the wet season in Far North Tropical Queensland, Cook Shire Council is reminding residents, property owners and visitors to be aware of melioidosis, a rare but potentially serious bacterial infection that occurs naturally in soil and water across...
Fill your own sandbags now at two locations
Free sandbags are now available to residents in Cooktown, Ayton, Rossville, Bloomfield and Helenvale as a low pressure system off the coast is forecast to bring rain and thunderstorms to Far North Queensland and Australia's northern coastline. Cooktown residents can...
Public notice: Cooktown Swimming Pool – Temporary closure due to serve weather
UPDATE: The pool will reopen on Saturday 10 January and Sunday 11 January 2026, from 1-6PM. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Cook Shire Council advises that the Cooktown Swimming Pool will be closed from 1:00pm today due to severe weather...
Stay informed and prepared: Resilience Hubs and local support ready
With a low weather system forecast to approach the region, Cook Shire Council is sharing information to help residents stay informed, prepared and connected — without alarm. Council’s Resilience Hubs and local Community Response Officers are on standby and ready to...
Public notice: Cooktown Event Centre Gym air-conditioning upgrade
Cook Shire Council advises the community that an air-conditioning upgrade is scheduled for the Cooktown Events Centre Gym, commencing Monday 12 January. The contractor has completed all preparation works and is now ready to proceed with the system changeover. To...
Public Notice: temporary office closure – Australia Day 2026
Please be advised that Cook Shire Council offices, buildings, and venues will be closed on Monday 26 January 2026 for the Australia Day public holiday. Closed facilities include: Council Administration Building Cooktown Events Centre (24-hour gym remains available)...
Australia Day Awards 2026
The Cook Shire community is invited to join Council in celebrating Australia Day and recognising the outstanding contributions of local individuals and groups who help make our region such a special place to live. Monday 26 January 20269.00 amCooktown Shire...
Change of location: School holiday sports program
Due to recent weather conditions and vandalism affecting both John Street Oval and Queens Oval, Council has made changes to the upcoming School Holiday Sports Program to ensure activities can continue safely. All scheduled sports activities will now take place at the...
SES providing fill your own sandbags as more wet weather expected
The State Emergency Service is offering free sandbags to residents as a low pressure system off the coast is forecast to bring more rain and thunderstorms to Far North Queensland and Australia's northern coastline. Residents can collect and fill their own sandbags at...
Vandalism at multiple Cooktown locations – Council seeks information
Cook Shire Council is deeply disappointed to report multiple incidents of deliberate vandalism that occurred yesterday across several valued community spaces. In a brazen act of destruction, individuals broke down security chains and bollards at Queen's Oval before...
If it’s flooded, forget it: A safety reminder for all road users
Council is reminding all road users not to risk driving through floodwater during wet weather events. Flooded roads are unpredictable and often far more dangerous than they appear. Water depth, road damage and fast-moving currents can be difficult to judge, and...
Council extends Christmas and New Year wishes to the community
The Councillors and staff of Cook Shire Council are extending warm seasonal greetings to the community as the Christmas and New Year period approaches. Council is wishing all residents a joyful and safe festive season, encouraging families to take time to rest,...