Media Releases
Stay updated on Cook Shire Media Releases.
LIFTED: Coen water restrictions
Coen community are being advised that - effective today, Thursday 21 November 2025 - ALERT water restrictions have been lifted. While restrictions are no longer in place, Council encourages all residents to continue using water wisely — especially as we head into...
Cooktown Library celebrates last Storytime for 2025
Cooktown Library team will host its final Storytime session for 2025 on Tuesday 3 December at 10am at Cooktown Events Centre, marking the end of another year of early literacy activities for local families. The final session will feature a relaxed morning of stories,...
John Street oval lighting upgrade completed
Cook Shire Council has now completed the upgrade of the sports lighting at John Street Oval in Cooktown, marking the final stage of this improvement project. The modern LED lighting system is now fully installed and operational, meeting NRL facility standards and...
Remembering the fallen, honouring the brave
The community gathered this morning at the Cooktown Anzac Park to honour and remember the service and sacrifice of Australia’s servicemen and women. The Remembrance Day service brought together residents, school students, local organisations, and veterans to observe...
New fences strengthen Coen’s community spaces
The Coen community is benefiting from two important upgrades, with new fencing works now complete at both the local cemetery and the town oval. Funded through the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland (W4Q) program, the projects have improved safety, access,...
Cook Shire’s LDMG puts preparedness to the test with live disaster exercise
With the 2025–26 wet season fast approaching, Cook Shire Council’s Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) recently came together for a Live Disaster Exercise to practise disaster coordination, communication and response ahead of the forthcoming extreme weather season....
Cooktown businesses connect for growth of the region
Cooktown’s business community showed strong interest in the town’s growth and development at last week’s Business Networking Function, hosted by Cook Shire Council in partnership. The event drew around 70 attendees, representing a wide range of local businesses and...
Coen moves to Alert Level Water Restrictions — effective immediately
Due to pressure on the local water supply, Cook Shire Council has introduced Alert Level Water Restrictions in Coen, effective immediately. Please reduce non-essential water use. What you can and can’t do No watering on Wednesdays. Sprinklers, micro-sprays and drip...
Public Notice – Cooktown Swimming Pool Closed Until Further Notice
Cooktown Swimming Pool is currently closed due to a critical systems failure. Council is awaiting the delivery of replacement parts and will reopen the facility as soon as repairs are complete and it is safe for public use. We understand this closure may cause...
Capture the magic of Christmas with a family photo at Cooktown Library
Santa is making a special stop at the Cooktown Library this Christmas! Families are invited to dress in their festive best and join us for Family Photos with Santa, held on Wednesday 17 December (12:00–5:00PM) and Thursday 18 December (8:30AM–12:00PM). Each $15 mini...
Announcing our monthly roadworks update
Cook Shire Council’s monthly snapshot of roadworks and travel advice occuring in the weeks ahead.
Nature’s Powerhouse celebrates 25 years of art, culture and community
Nature’s Powerhouse will mark a major milestone this November, celebrating 25 years as one of Cooktown’s most beloved cultural landmarks. Since opening its doors in 2000, Nature’s Powerhouse has become a hub for art, heritage and connection—welcoming locals and...
2026 Cook Shire Show Holiday Confirmed
Cook Shire Council wishes to advise residents, businesses, and visitors that the Gazetted 2026 Show Day public holiday for the Shire of Cook will be observed on Friday, 26 June 2026, in recognition of the Laura Campdraft and Rodeo Weekend. This date has been...
New road names celebrate Shire’s people, language, and lifestyle
Cook Shire Council has officially renamed three local streets in the Cooktown area to remove duplicate names and improve navigation and emergency service response times. The decision was made at Council’s September Ordinary Meeting and follows extensive community...
Free mulch giveaway is back to help gardens thrive this summer
Notification of Special Meeting of Council
Under section 254C of the Local Government Regulation 2012, the community is being advised of a Special Meeting of Council to be held at 2:30 pm on Thursday 30 October 2025 at Council’s Main Administration Building located at 10 Furneaux Street, Cooktown. Business to...