Latest News

Residents in Coen are advised that water restrictions will move to Alert Level from Monday 27 April 2026, as the local water reservoir undergoes some urgent maintenance. Council is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, however in the meantime, the...

Cook Shire Council is seeking to connect with local catering providers as we look to expand our pool of catering services across the region. Council regularly requires catering for a range of meetings, workshops, training sessions, and community-focused activities....

Residents and visitors are invited to come together this ANZAC Day to honour the courage, sacrifice and resilience of Australia’s servicemen and women, with a series of commemorative events taking place across the region. In Cooktown, commemorations will begin on...

Cooktown Library to join National Simultaneous Storytime with “Luna Roo – The Kangaroo Baller” Cooktown families are invited to hop along to a special Storytime event as the Cooktown Library takes part in this year's National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday 27...

Celebrate Mother's Day in Cooktown with a heartwarming morning of family fun, storytelling, and creative activities at the Cooktown Library. This special Mother’s Day event for kids and families is the perfect way to spend quality time together in a relaxed, welcoming...

The community is being advised of a special Council meeting. Matters to be tabled at this meeting are considered confidential under Section 254J of the Local Government Regulation 2012, this meeting will occur 9 AM Wednesday 29 April 2026 at Council Chambers,...

Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming Laura Council Meeting at Laura Town Hall on Tuesday 28 April 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. This monthly Council meeting is an important opportunity to stay informed, have your say, and connect with local community. It...

Cooktown Library recently hosted a special literary event, An Evening with Trent Dalton, bringing together local readers for an engaging and heartfelt experience. Fifteen attendees gathered to enjoy an intimate evening of storytelling, reflection and connection as...

Rossville Hall came alive as local families gathered for a successful and well-attended family fun day, delivering a mix of activities focused on connection, wellbeing and disaster preparedness. More than 30 children took part across the day, joined by parents, carers...

Rossville Hall is set to come alive this Mother’s Day with a unique and engaging live performance for the whole family. On Sunday 10 May, audiences are invited to experience A Bee Story, an enchanting circus production by the award-winning ARC Circus. Followed by a...

Locals looking for a simple, affordable way to stay active and connect with others will be pleased to see the return of group fitness classes in Cooktown. “Sweat Sessions,” a new group fitness class held at the Cooktown Events Centre, will officially kick off on...

The community is being advised that construction works for the Scenic Rim Walking Trail Restoration Project will commence in the Cooktown Botanic Gardens (Gallop Botanic Reserve) from Monday 4 May 2026. These works will restore and upgrade sections of the walking...

The popular talent showcase is set to return to Cook Shire. Cook Shire is calling on young performers to start preparing for an exciting upcoming event, Cook Shire's Got Talent, set to take the stage on Friday 5 June at the Cooktown Events Centre. The event will...

Continuing our commitment to improving animal welfare and community safety in Coen, a visiting veterinarian is set to deliver free services next Wednesday and Thursday (22 & 23 April 2026) as part of the Healthy Dogs program. Funded through the Healthy Dogs,...

Cook Shire primary producers impacted by the recent Tropical Cyclone Narelle and flooding event are now eligible for disaster recovery grants and loans through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA). The disaster recovery grants and loans...

A new Friday after-school program is coming to the Cooktown Events Centre. Delivered in partnership with Thoegayn Zugub, the Stars Above, Hoops Below program will run over 10 weeks at the Cooktown Events Centre, commencing Friday 24 April 2026. The program is designed...

Please be advised that the following Council offices, venues, and facilities will be closed out of respect for the Anzac Day Commemoration Services, April 25 2026.   COOKTOWN WORKS DEPOT CLOSED: as per regular hours.   WASTE TRANSFER STATIONS All facilities...

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Cooktown Swimming Pool will be closed from 2PM today.  Thank you for your understanding. 

Coen residents are invited to enjoy an evening of fun and friendly competition at the upcoming Coen Community Family Feud Game Night. Teams of familiy and friends will go head-to-head  with prizes on offer for the hightest scorers. Even if you’re not competing, come...

Please be advised that a number of Council offices, buildings, and venues will be closed for Labour Day on Monday 4 May 2026.    COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING  CLOSED: Monday 4 May 2026   COOKTOWN WORKS DEPOT CLOSED: Monday 4 May 2026   COOK SHIRE...

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...