Latest News

Cooktown is set to welcome passengers and crew from the Seven Seas Navigator cruise ship on Friday 16 January 2026, weather permitting. The ship has 496 passengers and 365 crew on board, with the first tender scheduled to arrive at the Cooktown Wharf at 12pm, bringing...

As we move through the wet season in Far North Tropical Queensland, Cook Shire Council is reminding residents, property owners and visitors to be aware of melioidosis, a rare but potentially serious bacterial infection that occurs naturally in soil and water across...

Free sandbags are now available to residents in Cooktown, Ayton, Rossville, Bloomfield and Helenvale as a low pressure system off the coast is forecast to bring rain and thunderstorms to Far North Queensland and Australia's northern coastline. Cooktown residents can...

UPDATE:  The pool will reopen on Saturday 10 January and Sunday 11 January 2026, from 1-6PM.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.   Cook Shire Council advises that the Cooktown Swimming Pool will be closed from 1:00pm today due to severe weather...

With a low weather system forecast to approach the region, Cook Shire Council is sharing information to help residents stay informed, prepared and connected — without alarm. Council’s Resilience Hubs and local Community Response Officers are on standby and ready to...

Cook Shire Council advises the community that an air-conditioning upgrade is scheduled for the Cooktown Events Centre Gym, commencing Monday 12 January. The contractor has completed all preparation works and is now ready to proceed with the system changeover. To...

Please be advised that Cook Shire Council offices, buildings, and venues will be closed on Monday 26 January 2026 for the Australia Day public holiday. Closed facilities include: Council Administration Building Cooktown Events Centre (24-hour gym remains available)...

The Cook Shire community is invited to join Council in celebrating Australia Day and recognising the outstanding contributions of local individuals and groups who help make our region such a special place to live.   Monday 26 January 20269.00 amCooktown Shire...

Due to recent weather conditions and vandalism affecting both John Street Oval and Queens Oval, Council has made changes to the upcoming School Holiday Sports Program to ensure activities can continue safely. All scheduled sports activities will now take place at the...

The State Emergency Service is offering free sandbags to residents as a low pressure system off the coast is forecast to bring more rain and thunderstorms to Far North Queensland and Australia's northern coastline. Residents can collect and fill their own sandbags at...

Cook Shire Council is deeply disappointed to report multiple incidents of deliberate vandalism that occurred yesterday across several valued community spaces. In a brazen act of destruction, individuals broke down security chains and bollards at Queen's Oval before...

Council is reminding all road users not to risk driving through floodwater during wet weather events. Flooded roads are unpredictable and often far more dangerous than they appear. Water depth, road damage and fast-moving currents can be difficult to judge, and...

The Councillors and staff of Cook Shire Council are extending warm seasonal greetings to the community as the Christmas and New Year period approaches. Council is wishing all residents a joyful and safe festive season, encouraging families to take time to rest,...

We called Cook Shire Mayor, Cr. Robyn Holmes a series of questions reflecting on 2025. View her video below. 

The festive season saw communities across the Cook Shire come together to celebrate a series of well-attended Christmas events, providing opportunities for connection, entertainment, and local pride. The Christmas edition of the Ayton Markets kicked off the...

Mayor Robyn Holmes shares a Christmas and New Year message with the Cook Shire community, reflecting on a year of growth, resilience and connection. The Mayor also advises that during her annual leave period, Councillor Gavin Dear will serve as Acting Mayor and Acting...

Cook Shire Council is pleased to offer a range of free school holiday activities across Cooktown, Lakeland and Bloomfield libraries this January. The program includes creative craft sessions, LEGO and games, themed activity days and hands-on workshops, giving local...

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the 10,000 Steps Cooktown Challenge and made a commitment to move more throughout November. It was great to see so many people logging their steps and supporting a more active lifestyle in our community. Together,...

The festive season often brings extra rubbish, and Cook Shire Council understands that managing household waste over Christmas can be challenging. The Cooktown Waste Transfer Station (WTS) will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. To help the community manage...

*Update: Due to recent weather conditions and recent vandalism at John Street Oval and Queens Oval, all School Holiday Sports activities have been moved to the Cooktown Events Centre. Cook Shire Council is hosting a series of free, fun activities for young people aged...

Cook Shire Council wishes to advise the community of operating hours for Council facilities over the Christmas and New Year period.   Council Administration Building CLOSED: Wednesday 24 December 2025 from 12 noon REOPENS: Monday 5 January 2026   Cooktown...

Cook Shire Council advises that the Lakeland Waste Transfer Station will be closed this Saturday, 6 December. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank the community for their understanding. Normal operations will resume at the next scheduled opening.

Cook Shire families can beat the heat these school holidays with the return of Splash N’ Play at the Cooktown Swimming Pool. The popular program will run every Tuesday and Thursday across December and January, offering two hours of water-based fun for children of all...

Nature's Powerhouse celebrates 25 years to the day since opening its doors on 1 December 2000, following a special anniversary event on Sunday that brought together around 130 community members, artists and supporters. The milestone event commemorated the venue's...

Cook Shire Council wishes to advise residents and visitors that the William Daku Splash Park will be temporarily closed from 7:30am tomorrow, Tuesday 2 December 2025, to allow for urgent water leak repairs. What's Happening Council crews, in partnership with the...

Please be advised that the Cooktown Pool will be closed from 1pm today, Friday 28 November. We will reopen tomorrow, Saturday 29 November with normal operating hours. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

Cook Shire Council is pleased to announce it has been awarded funding through the Australian Government’s Solar for Public Facilities Program, enabling major solar upgrades at two important community facilities — the Cooktown Events Centre and Bloomfield Hall. Under...

At its Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 25 November 2025, Cook Shire Council formally adopted its 2024–25 Annual Report, outlining Council’s performance, achievements, and financial position for the 2024–25 financial year. The Annual Report highlights strong...

Cook Shire Council is excited to share a fun-filled program of activities at the Cooktown Events Centre this December. From high-energy laser tag battles to classic Christmas movies and action-packed drop-in sports sessions, there’s something for every young person to...

Mayor Robyn Holmes has shared a monthly update highlighting key decisions from the November 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting. Council endorsed the 2024–25 Annual Report, reaffirmed its commitment to the Resilience and Learning Hub, and delegated the decision on Round 1...

Cook Shire Council was proud to join the Cooktown District Community Centre (CDCC) at The Lure Shop Tackleworld Cooktown this morning for their annual White Ribbon Day free BBQ breakfast, bringing the community together in a strong show of support for the prevention...

A huge thank you to everyone who came along to the Cooktown Bush Dance — the hall was alive with music, laughter, and plenty of toe-tapping fun! A special shout-out to The Wait-a-Whiles, whose fantastic music set the tone for a truly enjoyable night. Their lively...

Cook Shire Council advises that the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will commence essential maintenance works on the Charlotte Street floating walkway tomorrow, 26 November 2025. The works are expected to take 2–3 days (weather and conditions permitting)...

Please be advised that the following Council offices, buildings, and venues will be closed from 12 pm on Thursday 4 December 2025: Council Administration Building Cooktown Works Depot Cook Shire Libraries Cooktown Swimming Pool Cooktown Waste Transfer Station Nature’s...

John Street Oval will host a series of touch footy night games each Wednesday from 26 November to 17 December 2025, providing a relaxed and social sporting option for the community. The sessions will run from 5:30 to 7:00 pm and are open to participants aged 10 years...

Cook Shire Council is pleased to announce that a majority of eligible Indoor and Outdoor employees have voted YES to adopt the new Certified Agreements—an important milestone for our organisation and the wider community. This positive outcome brings Cook Shire Council...

Cook Shire Council is advising residents that severe to extreme heatwave conditions are forecast for Far North Queensland over the coming days, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning that temperatures will continue to rise across the region from Monday 24 November...

Cook Shire Libraries are gearing up for three weeks of Christmas holiday activities, with fun, free sessions planned for Lakeland, Bloomfield and Cooktown throughout December. Families can look forward to hands-on games, creative activities and festive crafts designed...

Cook Shire Council is excited to announce the winners of the Most Improved Yard category in this year’s Get Ready! Yard Clean-Up Competition. The competition encouraged residents to tidy and prepare their properties, promoting safety and resilience ahead of the storm...

Cook Shire Council wishes to advise residents and road users that a sealing contractor is scheduled to mobilise to site on Monday 24 November 2025, as part of the ongoing upgrade of Cameron Creek Road. Scheduled Works Sealing works are expected to commence on Tuesday...

The Laura Community Hall will be filled with festive cheer on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, as families gather for the Laura community Christmas movie night. Running from 3:30 to 7:00 PM, the event will offer a relaxed and fun afternoon featuring a Christmas movie,...

Lakeland is set to come alive with festive spirit as the Lakeland Christmas Fair returns on Saturday, 6 December 2025. The event will take place from 3:00 to 6:00 PM on the grassed area in front of the Lakeland coffee shop. Families can look forward to an afternoon...

Cook Shire Council proudly welcomed six new Australians at a Citizenship Ceremony held in the Council Chambers on Wednesday, 19 November 2025. The chamber was filled as families, friends, and community members gathered to celebrate the occasion. The ceremony was...

Coen community are being advised that - effective today, Thursday 21 November 2025 - ALERT water restrictions have been lifted. While restrictions are no longer in place, Council encourages all residents to continue using water wisely — especially as we head into...

Cooktown Library team will host its final Storytime session for 2025 on Tuesday 3 December at 10am at Cooktown Events Centre, marking the end of another year of early literacy activities for local families. The final session will feature a relaxed morning of stories,...

Cook Shire Council has now completed the upgrade of the sports lighting at John Street Oval in Cooktown, marking the final stage of this improvement project. The modern LED lighting system is now fully installed and operational, meeting NRL facility standards and...

The community gathered this morning at the Cooktown Anzac Park to honour and remember the service and sacrifice of Australia’s servicemen and women. The Remembrance Day service brought together residents, school students, local organisations, and veterans to observe...

The Coen community is benefiting from two important upgrades, with new fencing works now complete at both the local cemetery and the town oval. Funded through the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland (W4Q) program, the projects have improved safety, access,...

With the 2025–26 wet season fast approaching, Cook Shire Council’s Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) recently came together for a Live Disaster Exercise to practise disaster coordination, communication and response ahead of the forthcoming extreme weather season....

Cooktown’s business community showed strong interest in the town’s growth and development at last week’s Business Networking Function, hosted by Cook Shire Council in partnership. The event drew around 70 attendees, representing a wide range of local businesses and...

Due to pressure on the local water supply, Cook Shire Council has introduced Alert Level Water Restrictions in Coen, effective immediately. Please reduce non-essential water use. What you can and can’t do No watering on Wednesdays. Sprinklers, micro-sprays and drip...

Santa is making a special stop at the Cooktown Library this Christmas! Families are invited to dress in their festive best and join us for Family Photos with Santa, held on Wednesday 17 December (12:00–5:00PM) and Thursday 18 December (8:30AM–12:00PM). Each $15 mini...

Nature’s Powerhouse will mark a major milestone this November, celebrating 25 years as one of Cooktown’s most beloved cultural landmarks. Since opening its doors in 2000, Nature’s Powerhouse has become a hub for art, heritage and connection—welcoming locals and...

Cook Shire Council has officially renamed three local streets in the Cooktown area to remove duplicate names and improve navigation and emergency service response times. The decision was made at Council’s September Ordinary Meeting and follows extensive community...