Media Releases
Stay updated on Cook Shire Media Releases.
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 9:00 am on Tuesday 14 October 2025 at Council’s Main Administration Building located at 10 Furneaux Street, Cooktown. Business to...
Council Celebrates Get Ready! Week with launch of a shire-wide, Get Ready! Yard Clean Up Competition
Cook Shire Council is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves ahead of storm season, with the launch of the Get Ready! Yard Clean Up Competition and almost $2,000 in practical prizes up for grabs. The competition, which runs from 3 October to 17 November 2025,...
Community and Economic Development Grants Now Open
Local businesses, community groups, organisations, and individuals across Cook Shire are encouraged to apply for funding through Round 1 of Cook Shire Council’s 2025 Community and Economic Development Grants Program, With up to $6,000 available for each successful...
Free Business Disaster Resilience Training Coming to Cook Shire
Cook Shire businesses and community groups are invited to take part in free Business Disaster Resilience Training sessions this October. The customised workshops, running across Cooktown, Ayton, Lakeland, Coen, and Portland Roads from 13–16 October, are designed to...
Coen Community Day to Focus on Wellbeing and Preparedness
Coen residents are invited to come together for a morning of connection, wellbeing, and disaster readiness at the Coen Community Day on Wednesday 8 October 2025. The event will run from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Apunipima Wellbeing Centre and is part of statewide...
Cook Shire Leaders meet with Matt Smith MP and Bree James MP in Cooktown
Mayor Robyn Holmes and Chief Executive Officer Brian Joiner recently welcomed Matt Smith MP, Member for Leichhardt, and Bree James MP, Member for Barron River, to Cooktown for discussions on key issues affecting the Shire. As part of the visit, Mayor Holmes and Brian...
Ayton footpath project – Stage 1 complete and more to come
Stage 1 of the Ayton Footpath Project is now complete, delivering safer and more accessible pedestrian connections in the heart of Ayton. The project forms part of Council’s 2024–25 Operational Plan and was identified as a key community infrastructure priority. This...
New equipment boosts Coen and Lakeland SES operations
Cook Shire’s State Emergency Service (SES) units in Coen and Lakeland have recently received significant equipment upgrades, strengthening their ability to respond to emergencies and support their communities when it matters most. The upgrades reflect the strong...
TMR Roadworks Notice
We have been informed that the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR)will be carrying out bridge inspections on Little Laura bridge on the Peninsula Developmental Road, south of Laura. The inspections are part of TMR’s regular bridge maintenance program to...
Strengthening Biosecurity Across South-West Cape York
The recently completed Enhancing Local Government Biosecurity Capability (ELGBC) project has delivered an important step forward in protecting the landscapes, communities, and livelihoods of South-Western Cape York from invasive species and biosecurity risks. The...
Cook Shire welcomes new Australian Citizen on Australian Citizenship day 2025
Cook Shire Council proudly marked Australian Citizenship Day on Tuesday, 17 September, by welcoming the region’s newest Australian. A citizenship ceremony was held in Cooktown, where one resident officially became an Australian citizen. The occasion was a chance to...
King’s Official Birthday public holiday | Office closures
Please be reminded that a number of Council offices, buildings, and venues will be closed on Monday 6 October 2025 Council Administration Building Cooktown Works Depot All Cook Shire Libraries The Cooktown Swimming Pool The Cooktown Events Centre Nature's Powerhouse...
Public Notice – Strathgordon Road Upgrade Works
Cook Shire Council advises that upgrade works will be undertaken on Strathgordon Road between chainage 15.9 km and 17.8 km. The project includes the bitumen sealing of the road and the construction of a new culvert and causeway over the Colman River. Scope of Works...
Need a hand to get ready for extreme weather season?
Cook Shire Council is offering extra support this cyclone season through the Handy Help Pick-Up program. Eligible residents can register to have their eligible waste picked up for rree* during Free Dumping Days (1–16 November 2025). Who is eligible? Residents on an...
Get ready for free* dumping days
Get your yard ready for extreme weather season Cook Shire Council is once again offering Free Dumping Days to help residents tidy their properties and remove potential hazards before cyclone season. When & Where 1 – 16 November 2025 during regular operating hours...
Public Notice: John Street oval sports lighting upgrade
Cook Shire Council is progressing with the upgrade of the sports lighting at John Street Oval, Cooktown, with works due to begin Thursday, 18 September 2025. The old lights have already been removed, and the next stage will see the installation of a modern LED...