Media Releases

Cook Shire Council and response agencies remain actively responding to the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Narelle, with significant flooding still affecting parts of the Shire — particularly north of Coen. At the same time, planning and coordination for recovery is now...

Cook Shire Council is inviting community groups, businesses and organisations to apply for Round 2 of its Community & Economic Development Grants Program, with applications now open. The program supports a wide range of initiatives, including community events,...

Cook Shire Council is encouraging pet owners to take part in the upcoming Paws Up for Pet Care desexing clinic, offering free desexing for eligible cats and dogs. The clinic will be held at the Cooktown Shire Hall from Monday 30 March to Wednesday 1 April 2026....

Cook Shire Council advises residents that an update is required to previously shared information regarding rubbish collection services in Cooktown. Council acknowledges that earlier communication may have caused confusion and apologises for any inconvenience. The...

Cook Shire Council advises residents that the water supply in Coen has now been restored. Due to ongoing power outages in the community, Council has implemented Level STOP water restrictions, to help preserve the limited water supply of the reservoir. Level STOP –...

Cook Shire Council is offering free green waste dumping at the Cooktown Waste Transfer Station from Friday 20 March to Sunday 22 March 2026. This initiative is in place to support residents with cyclone preparation and clean-up activities. Opening Hours: Friday:...

Cook Shire Council advises that the Coen water supply will be shut off at 10:00pm tonight as part of preparations for Tropical Cyclone Narelle. This is a precautionary measure to protect infrastructure and maintain water quality during severe weather conditions....

Mayor Robyn Holmes and Inspector Gary Hunter provide the latest 4PM update on Tropical Cyclone Narelle. Residents are strongly urged to stay indoors and shelter in place until the storm system has passed. Conditions are expected to worsen, and it is not safe to be...

Issued: 4.00pm, Thursday 19 March 2026Next update: As the situation changes. Cook Shire Council advises people in the council area to PREPARE NOW for Tropical Cyclone Narelle that is moving towards the Far North Queensland coast, east of Coen. Severe Tropical Cyclone...

Due to Tropical Cyclone Narelle, the Cooktown Pool will close from 4:00pm today, Thursday 19th March, and will remain closed until further notice. All scheduled lessons and activities are cancelled. For catch-up classes, please contact pool staff directly. The...

A recorded update from the Mayor and Inspector Gary is now available, providing the latest information on Tropical Cyclone Narelle and current preparedness advice for the community. Residents are encouraged to watch the video to stay informed and ensure they are...

Council advises that the Cooktown Waste Transfer Station (WTS) is now open and will remain open until 1:00pm today, Thursday 19 March 2026. After this time, the facility will close to allow staff to return home and prepare their own properties ahead of the approaching...

Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes provides an important community update as Tropical Cyclone Narelle is forecast to make landfall in the northern part of Cook Shire, near Coen and Portland Roads. For residents in Coen and surrounding communities, now is the time to act....

Northern Cape Region Council advises people in the council area to PREPARE NOW for Tropical Cyclone Narelle that is moving slowly towards the Southeast Queensland coast. For non-life-threatening flood and storm emergency assistance, contact SES on 132500,...