Latest News

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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)...

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...

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....

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,...

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...

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...

This National Crime Stoppers Day, Cook Shire joins communities across Australia to raise awareness about the importance of reporting crime safely and effectively. The theme for this year is “Don’t post it, report it”, reminding residents that talking about crime on...

Looking for a fun, creative, and confidence-boosting activity for your child these school holidays? Box Jelly Theatre Co. is returning to Cooktown with another round of exciting drama workshops—perfect for young performers with big imaginations! Designed for...

The fire that impacted Cooktown’s Finch Bay and Cherry Tree Bay walking tracks earlier this month has now officially been declared safe by the Queensland Fire Department (QFD). After days of close monitoring and fire management, QFD has handed the site back to the...

It was one epic moment — and now, it's finally here to relive and share. The wait is over! The incredible Solid Rock community sing-along, filmed at this year’s Cooktown Discovery Festival, has officially dropped — and it’s every bit as powerful, joyful and...

Families, friends and beachgoers are invited to celebrate the arrival of spring and the weekend before Father's Day in spectacular style at Sand & Sky: A Day at Finch Bay on Saturday 6 September from 2PM to 5PM. Hosted by Cook Shire Council, this free community...

After a successful performance last year, Box Jelly Theatre Company is back! This time, they’re once again partnering with local organisations to bring The Spirits of Cooktown to life – a unique community theatre event that draws inspiration from the true stories from...

Development activity continues to gain momentum in Cook Shire, with new lots, dwellings, and business opportunities shaping the future of our communities. Between 2020 and June 2025, Cook Shire Council has approved: 57 Reconfigurations of a Lot (subdivisions),...

Cook Shire Council welcomed a group of Year 7 students from Cooktown State School on Friday 1 August, for an engaging and hands-on introduction to local government. The visit gave students the opportunity to learn how Council works, what it’s responsible for, how...

Get ready for two days of creativity, laughter, and storytelling as puppetry takes to the stage at the Cooktown Shire Hall this August! With two hands-on workshops and a live performance from the acclaimed Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, there’s something for every young...

Local book lovers were treated to a special morning at Cooktown Library on Wednesday 30 July, as Australian author Fiona Tarr visited to share insights into her latest mystery novel, Her Lost Bones. The relaxed event gave attendees a behind-the-scenes look at Fiona’s...

Cook Shire Council is inviting residents, community groups, and local stakeholders to have their say in renaming three streets in the Cooktown and Marton areas. The streets identified for renaming are: John Street, Cooktown Brown Street, Cooktown Ida Street, Marton...

Missed your bin day? Out camping with no bin in sight? Finished a cracking day on the water with a bag full of fish frames and nowhere to dump them? We're here to save your nose and your weekend. Introducing: Abukkabag – the simple, low-cost way to ditch your everyday...

Cook Shire Council has secured funding under the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund to commence detailed planning and design of trunk infrastructure in Lakeland—an important first step in unlocking the region’s future housing potential. The funding...

Cook Shire Council has officially launched Pathways to Cultural Understanding, a bold new initiative inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents to help shape the future of reconciliation in the region. More than just a project, Pathways to Cultural...

As communities across Australia celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025, Cook Shire Council proudly recognises this year’s theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.” This theme calls on all of us to support and uplift emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait...

We have been advised that the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will be carrying out bridge inspections and servicing at the following locations: Hann River bridge, Peninsula Developmental Road: Tuesday 22 July to Wednesday 23 July 2025 Wallaby Creek...

A new sandstone boundary has been installed at the Splash Park to help prevent lawn clippings and debris from entering the filtration system — a long-standing issue that has led to repeated shutdowns of the facility. This operational upgrade offers a simple,...

EXTENDED UNTIL SUNDAY 20 JULY 2025 Due to the shortage of 240L wheelie bins, Cook Shire Council is offering fee-free* disposal of domestic waste for residents whose bins were not collected, and have been issued with a non-compliance notice. Due to high demand, 240L...

Cook Shire Council is undertaking essential cleaning of the main water reservoir in Coen from Tuesday 15 - Thursday 17 July 2025. Temporary water restrictions have been put in place to help conserve supply during this important maintenance work. To help conserve water...

Cook Shire Council is proud to welcome Jay, our newest Apprentice Electrician, who has joined the Water and Wastewater team as part of Council’s Apprenticeship and Traineeship Program. A local through and through, Jay is passionate about giving back to the community...

Cooktown's music-loving community was treated to an unforgettable evening of song, soul, and storytelling as the Festival of Small Halls rolled into town on Wednesday 2 July. More than 60 people filled the Shire Hall for a night of world-class live music and community...

Cook Shire Council is inviting community members to attend a special 2025–26 Budget and Community Update session on Wednesday 16 July from 5:30 PM at the Cooktown Events Centre. This event is an opportunity for the community to gain valuable insight into how Council’s...

Cook Shire Council is proud to celebrate the achievements of Connor Morgan, our talented Apprentice Diesel Fitter, who has been named a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year category at the 2025 Cairns Trade Excellence Awards, hosted by TAFE Queensland. With more...

From Tuesday 1 July 2025, Cook Shire Council’s bin labelling program will officially come into effect. That means from tomorrow, if your bin isn't compliant or clearly labelled, it may not be collected on your next scheduled kerbside collection day. Now is the perfect...

Mayor Robyn Holmes provided important insights and updates from this week's Ordinary Council meeting. The agenda can be reviewed with the meeting minutes available in the coming days. You can find them here 

Cook Shire Council is pleased to welcome Taylor Wright as our temporary Sports and Recreation Officer in Coen, stepping in while Sam is on maternity leave. Taylor is a valued member of Council’s pool team at the Cooktown Swimming Pool and will now be lending her...

Cook Shire Council is helping spread the word on behalf of Citrus Australia, who are calling for volunteers to join the Citrus Watch program and help protect the future of our citrus industry. Citrus Watch is a national early warning system looking out for the Asian...