Latest News

Cook Shire Council is continuing to closely monitor Tropical Cyclone Maila, with Mayor Robyn Holmes and Council’s Disaster Management Officer providing a timely update to the community. While the system remains unpredictable, Council and partner agencies have been...

Never miss what’s happening across the Shire—our monthly digital newsletter brings the latest news, community updates, events, projects and practical information straight to your inbox. It’s designed to keep you informed, connected and ready to take part in local...

The much anticipated Cooktown Discovery Festival Regional Street Parade is set to return in 2026, bringing colour, creativity and community spirit to the streets. This year’s theme, “Discover Our Culture”, invites participants to celebrate the rich and diverse...

Cook Shire Council's youth after-school program has concluded an outstanding Term 1, and we're excited to announce that Term 2 is on the way. Save the date — full details coming soon. Term 1: A Program That DeliveredCook Shire Council, in partnership with the Cooktown...

Cooktown Library to host special live-streamed evening with Trent Dalton Cooktown Library is inviting the community to enjoy a special literary experience this April, with a live-streamed author event featuring award-winning and bestselling Australian author, Trent...

Due to low booking numbers in Lakeland, the upcoming Creative Art Workshops on Saturday 11 April have been moved to Cooktown.  This event will occur at the Cooktown Events Centre. All materials provided. Children take home their creations.    Workshop Schedule...

Families in Rossville are invited to come together for a free day of fun, connection, and activities at the upcoming Rossville Family Fun Day on Tuesday 14 April 2026. Families in Rossville are invited to come together for a free day of fun, connection, and activities...

Local creatives, artists and small business owners are invited to take part in two upcoming workshops designed to build confidence and skills in social media and marketing. Held across Saturday 11 April and Sunday 12 April 2026, the Creative Business Workshops will...

Bloomfield/ Ayton residents are being invited to take part in an upcoming community recovery and resilience meeting, providing an opportunity to reflect on recent wet season events and help plan for the future. Facilitated by Cook Shire Council’s Community Recovery...

As the Easter long weekend approaches, Cook Shire Council’s Mayor has shared a message with the community, encouraging everyone to take the opportunity to slow down, stay safe, and enjoy all that the region has to offer. Easter is a special time across Cook Shir,...

Temporary repair works were undertaken on Ida Street this week following the recent culvert failure. Significant rainfall over the past few days has impacted site conditions, particularly ground compaction in the repaired area. The road will now reopen (with...

Please be advised that Maritme Safety Queensland (MSQ) has extended the community consultation period for the Cooktown Pontoon until Sunday 12 April 2026. MSQ had originally planned to host community information sessions in late March; however, these sessions were...

The Federal and State Governments have announced disaster assistance to support recovery efforts for communities across Queensland impacted by flooding and Tropical Cyclone Narelle. Cook Shire Council is encouraging eligible residents and community organisations in...

One week on from Tropical Cyclone Narelle crossing Cape York, Cook Shire Council continues to work alongside the Queensland Government and on-ground partners to respond to the widespread impacts and begin the transition toward recovery. Mayor Cr Robyn Holmes said...

Cook Shire Council advises that temporary repair works will commence on Ida Street between Power Street and Parkinson Street from Monday 30 March, following the recent culvert failure. These works are being prioritised to restore safe access as quickly as possible,...

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,...

Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes has provided the following video update regarding Tropical Low 34U and the potential for cyclone development in the coming days. While the system is currently in its early stages and remains some distance from the Queensland coast,...

Cook Shire Council is offering a range of surplus items for sale via an upcoming online auction hosted by Nasco Ag & Industrial Auctions. The auction features a variety of machinery and equipment located in Cooktown, including: 3 small tip trucks FUSO Canter 715...

Unfortunately, the St Patrick’s Day Jig scheduled for Saturday 21 March at the Cooktown Shire Hall has been cancelled. While the luck of the Irish is legendary, it seems it doesn’t always stretch to the tropics. Due to the unpredictable weather event affecting parts...

Update* Please be advised that the Cooktown Pontoon community information session scheduled for Thursday 26 March 2026 has been postponed.  Residents are encouraged to check the official Maritime Safety Queensland website for updates on a new date and further...

Cook Shire Council today met with representatives of the Stay Another Day Railway Trail project to walk through a detailed timeline outlining the history, approvals and current status of the Rail Trail Boardwalk project. At the meeting, Council’s Chief Executive...

Families across Cook Shire will have plenty of opportunities to get active, creative and connected these April school holidays, with a wide range of free activities planned for children and young people across the region. Cook Shire Council has partnered with local...

Cook Shire Council wishes to inform residents and visitors of the operating hours for Council offices and facilities during the upcoming Easter long weekend. A number of Council offices, depots, and facilities will be closed from Friday, 3 April 2026 (Good Friday)...

Due to the current uncertain weather conditions across the Shire, Council will no longer be attending the Rossville Markets this Sunday 8 March 2026, to run out interactive budget survey. Council staff are currently focused on monitoring conditions and supporting the...

Following Council’s earlier update regarding wet weather impacts across the Shire, crews continue to monitor and assess conditions across the road network. Initial inspections have identified damage along sections of Bloomfield Road, including at Platypus Creek, where...

Cook Shire Council is advising residents that significant rainfall and flooding across the region have caused damage to a number of roads throughout the Shire. Council crews are currently working to assess road conditions and determine the extent of the damage. These...

Cook Shire Council advises that the Cooktown Splash Park is closed until Wednesday 5 March due to significant system blockages caused by a significant quantity of small, styrofoam-coloured beads. A significant quantity of small, candy-coloured styrofoam beads and...

Cook Shire Council met with senior representatives from Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) on Friday 27 February 2026 to receive a formal update on the redevelopment of the Cooktown Multipurpose Health Service (MPHS), a $200 million Queensland...

A guide to checking river crossings across Cook Shire With wet weather affecting parts of the region, many residents and travellers rely on river gauge data to monitor crossing conditions. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) provides real-time river height information...

Cook Shire Council is once again calling on the community to stand together following a significant and deeply disappointing spree of vandalism across multiple public facilities in Cooktown. The latest damage bill is currently estimated at approximately $15,000 with...

Cook Shire Council has successfully completed an essential food resupply to the remote community of Coen, delivering 3,301 kilograms of vital goods on Friday 27 February 2026. The coordinated effort ensured shelves were restocked with key food items, supporting...

Cooktown is set to welcome the Arthur Beetson Future Immortals Tour, offering young rugby league players an exciting opportunity to develop their skills, meet elite ambassadors, and take part in fun games and community activities. Thursday 12 March – Youth Coaching...

Families across the Shire are invited to come together for a morning of Easter fun at Bloomfield Library on Saturday 28 March. Easter in Ayton will run from 9am to 12 midday and promises a relaxed, family-friendly celebration packed with activities for local children....

Mayor Robyn Holmes has shared a monthly update highlighting key decisions from the February 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting. Cook Shire Council has endorsed several important initiatives at its latest Ordinary Meeting, focused on smart financial management, community...

Cook Shire residents aged 50 and over are invited to step confidently into the digital world at the upcoming Digital + You workshop, hosted at Cooktown Library on Wednesday 22 April at 10am. The free hands-on session is designed to help participants build practical...

Cook Shire Council was pleased to welcome a fantastic turnout of community members to last night’s community update and budget engagement, held upstairs at the Sovereign. The event provided a relaxed and informative space for locals to hear about Council’s projects,...

Get ready, Cook Shire! The Cooktown Shire Hall will come alive with the sound of fiddles, reels and toe-tapping Celtic tunes this March for the St Patrick’s Day Jig. A night of music, dancing and good craic. The celebration will be held on Saturday 21 March 2026 from...