Media Releases
Stay updated on Cook Shire Media Releases.
Public Notice: Temporary Pool Closure
Council advises the community that, due to a school event, the pool will be temporarily closed on Thursday, 18th September 2025 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. Normal hours will resume on Friday 19...
Australia Day Awards Nominations
Nominations Now Open! It’s time to honor the exceptional individuals and groups that have made a meaningful impact in our region! Nominations for the Australia Day Awards are now open, and we encourage you to show your gratitude by nominating someone who deserves...
Book Online – Pool Passes, Fitness & Events Centre!
Cook Shire Council has made it even easier to stay active and connected, with an expanded online booking system that now includes the Cooktown Swimming Pool and additional Events Centre options. Since December, gym members have enjoyed the convenience of managing...
Public Notice: Temporary closure to Ayton Transfer Station
Council advises that the Ayton Waste Transfer Station will be closed this Saturday 6 Septemeber 2025. Regular services will resume on Wednesday 10 Septemeber 2025, following the closure. We encourage residents to plan ahead and make alternative arrangements for waste...
Register now to clear out your old chemicals
Cook Shire Council is encouraging local farmers, growers, and agricultural businesses to take part in the upcoming ChemClear collection event in Queensland, providing a safe and responsible way to dispose of unwanted or expired agricultural and veterinary (AgVet)...
Clarification Regarding Residential Activation Fund and Development in Cooktown
Cook Shire Council wishes to clarify recent reporting which incorrectly stated that Council has received government funding to drive new residential development in Cooktown. This is not the case. The Queensland Government has announced funding under its Residential...
Public Notice: Coen water station out of service
Cook Shire Council advises that the Coen water station is currently out of service until further notice. Council is working to restore the service as quickly as possible and apologises for any inconvenience caused. Updates will be provided as soon as more information...
NQ Sportstar Awards 2025
Nominate a local sports star! Nominations are now open – Closing 5pm Sunday 7 September 2025. These awards recognise outstanding athletic achievements by North Queensland's elite athletes and honour the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and organisers....
Public notice: Controlled burn at Portland Roads Waste Facility
Temporary Road Closure – Finch Bay Road
To support the Sand & Sky: A Day at Finch Bay community event, Finch Bay Road will be temporarily closed to all through traffic between 10:00 am and 5:30 pm on Saturday, 6 September. Date: Saturday, 6 September 2025Time: 10:00 am – 5:30 pmLocation: Finch Bay Road,...
Step into Cooktown’s past with “The Spirits of Cooktown” – Live theatre at the Pioneer cemetery
Cooktown’s history will come alive this October as audiences are invited to experience The Spirits of Cooktown – a captivating community theatre performance set in the heart of Cooktown Pioneer Cemetery. Presented by Box Jelly Theatre Company and supported by...
Temporary Relocation of Rossville Recycling Skip Bin
To support the Wallaby Creek Festival, Council will temporarily relocate the Rossville public place recycling skip bin. What’s changing: The recycling skip bin currently located at the Rossville Marketplace will be moved to the area in front of the Wallaby Creek...
School Holiday Fishing Competition!
Looking for exciting school holiday activities in Cooktown? Cook Shire Council, in partnership with Queensland Police, is proud to host the Queensland Blue Light, Blue Lures School Holiday Fishing Competition in Cooktown. Date: Tuesday, 23 September 2025Location: Blue...
Lakeland Library | Updated opening hours
Council is pleased to announce new opening hours for Lakeland Library to better suit our community’s needs. Effective immediately, the library will now be open on Saturdays. Lakeland Library opening hours: Tuesdays: 10:00AM – 4:00PM Saturdays: 10:00AM – 1:00PM The...
TMR Roadworks Notice
Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is about to commence maintenance works on sections of road on the Mulligan Highway at Cooktown from the Trevethan Creek bridge to past the Mt Amos Road intersection. The works will involve road rehabilitation and sealing to...
TMR Roadworks Notice
Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will be carrying out reconstruction works to repair multiple sites on the Mulligan Highway (Lakeland – Cooktown) from late August 2025 until November 2025. The work will involve earthworks, asphalt and bitumen resurfacing,...