Cook Shire Council has today adopted its 2026–27 Annual Budget, setting the direction for the year ahead by balancing rising operating costs with continued investment in local roads, essential services and community infrastructure. The budget supports the delivery of...
Cook Shire News
Stay updated on Cook Shire news.
Discovery Festival delivers another unforgettable weekend for Cooktown
The 2026 Cooktown Discovery Festival has wrapped up after a spectacular weekend of live music, community celebration, culture, creativity and good old-fashioned Cooktown hospitality, attracting record crowds from across the region and beyond. Across three...
Sniffing out savings: Danny the detection dog to target hidden water leaks
Cook Shire Council is taking an innovative approach to tackling water loss... Danny the leak detection dog and his handler set to arrive in the region this May, bringing technology typically used in major city networks to remote communities. “This is the kind of...
Countdown begins: New Cooktown Discovery Festival website launches as excitement builds for 2026
The countdown is officially on. The seven-week countdown to the Cooktown Discovery Festival kicks off tomorrow, Friday 1 May, with the launch of a refreshed festival website—setting the stage for one of Cape York’s most iconic events. Designed to be more vibrant,...
Cooktown Splash Park | Update
Please be advised that the Cooktown Splash Park is back open after the essential maintenance took place. Thank you for your understanding and patience while these works took place.
Free mulch giveaway returns for a full week
Free mulch will be back with residents able to collect mulch throughout an entire week this July. The giveaway will take place at the Cooktown Waste Transfer Station during normal operating hours from Tuesday 14 July for a whole week. Residents are encouraged to take...
First 5 Forever Storytime Returns for Term 3
Get ready for another term of stories, songs, smiles and fun as First 5 Forever Storytime returns for Term 3! Designed for children aged 0–5 years, Storytime is a fun-filled session where little ones can sing, listen to stories, explore books, play and learn in a...
Planned Controlled Blasting – IGA Construction Site
Developers of the new IGA supermarket have notified Council of planned controlled minor blasting works at the construction site on the corner of Charlotte and Walker Streets, Cooktown. The controlled blast is expected to occur later this week or early next week as...



