Public Notices
Stay updated on Cook Shire news.
Electrical Upgrade at Bloomfield Oval – Date Updated
ELECTRICAL UPGRADE AT BLOOMFIELD OVAL - DATE CHANGED Please be advised that essential electrical upgrades will take place at Gordon Hickling Oval on Tuesday 19 May - Wednesday 20 May 2026. These works are necessary to improve the reliability and safety of the...
Public Notice: Cooktown Events Centre Gym Temporary Closure for Maintenance
Please be advised that the Cooktown Events Centre Gym will be closed from 7:30am to midday on Thursday 9 April to allow for scheduled maintenance. Thank you for your patience and understanding while these important works are completed.
Lakeland Housing Infrastructure Project – Survey & Investigation Works
Lakeland community are being advised that consultants engaged by Council will soon commence survey and geotechnical investigation works as part of the Lakeland Housing Infrastructure Project. What to expect: Survey works will take place across the Lakeland area and...
Public notice: Temporary closure at Cooktown Swimming Pool – Thursday 2 April 2026
Council advises that the local swimming pool will be closed on Thursday 2 April for an estimated time of an hour due to lawn maintenance. The pool will is expected to be closed from 7:15am - 8:30am and resume normal operating hours thereafter. We appreciate the...
Coen water restrictions lifted
Cook Shire Council advises residents that Level STOP water restrictions in Coen have now been lifted, effective immediately. Following recent recovery efforts, water reserves at the treatment plant have now returned to a safe operating level, allowing restrictions to...
Notification of Road Use: Endeavour Christian College Cross Country Carnival
Cook Shire Council advises that Endeavour Christian College will be conducting its annual cross-country running carnival on Friday 27 March 2026. The event will take place between 8:30am and approximately 11:30am, with participants utilising local roads as indicated...
Sandbagging available Coen, Cooktown, Ayton, Rossville
Free sandbags will be available in Coen, Cooktown, Ayton and Rossville from Wednesday 18 March 2026. Fill your own sandbagging stations will be open from 9:00am to assist residents ahead of the forthcoming 34U weather event. Cooktown: SES Headquarters, Charlotte...
Change to Cooktown Rubbish Collection – Friday 20 March
Cook Shire Council advises that the scheduled rubbish collection for Cooktown on Friday 20 March has been brought forward to Thursday 19 March as a precautionary measure in preparation for the potential development of a tropical low/cyclone (34U). Residents are asked...
Public notice: Temporary closure at Cooktown Swimming Pool – Monday 16 March 2026
Council advises that the local swimming pool will be closed on Monday 16 March from 8:30am to 3:00pm due to the Endeavour Christian College Swimming Carnival. The pool will reopen to the public from 3:00pm and resume normal operating hours thereafter. We appreciate...
Public notice: Temporary closure at Cooktown Swimming Pool due to maintenance
*UPDATE* The Cooktown Swimming Pool has reopening as of 1 PM, Tuesday 10 March 2026, Council advises that The Cooktown Swimming Pool will be closed this morning, Tuesday 10 March 2026, until further notice due to maintenance. The pool is likely to reopen this...
Power outage impacting some Council facilities
Cook Shire Council advises residents that a major power outage across Cooktown is currently affecting the operation of some Council facilities today, Friday 6 March 2026. Due to the outage, the following changes are in place: Cooktown Swimming PoolThe Cooktown...
Sandbagging stations open in Cooktown and Ayton
Free sandbags are now available to residents in Cooktown, Ayton, Rossville, Bloomfield and Helenvale as a low-pressure system off the coast continues to bring rainfall across the region. The system is currently producing showers and periods of rain, with further...
Public notice: Temporary closure at Cooktown Swimming Pool
Council advises that the local swimming pool will be closed on Friday 6 March from 8:30am to 3:00pm due to the Endeavour Christian College Swimming Carnival. The pool will reopen to the public from 3:00pm and resume normal operating hours thereafter. We appreciate the...
Public Notice | Lakeland Waste Transfer Station
Due to unforseen circumstances, Cook Shire Council advises the Lakeland community and visitors that the Lakeland Waste Transfer Station will be closed today. Council is working to minimise disruption and will provide an update as soon as the facility is able to...
Public Notice: Sewer Line Replacement Works – Ayton Library
Council advises that a contractor will commence works on Tuesday 3 March in the Ayton Library area to replace the sewer line. A site meeting will be held tomorrow (Tuesday 3 March) to determine whether the works will impact Ayton Library opening hours. Further updates...
Delayed opening for Lakeland Waste Transfer Station
Cook Shire Council wishes to advise the Lakeland community that the Lakeland Waste Transfer Station will have a delayed opening today due to access issues. Staff are currently unable to travel from Laura, with river levels preventing safe passage. The facility will...
Cooktown Library to experience temporary internet outage
Cooktown Library patrons are advised that the library will be without internet access on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm due to an essential NBN upgrade. During this time, the usual Tech Time session will be cancelled. While the library building will...
Public notice: Temporary closure at Cooktown Library
Cooktown Library will be closed on Monday 23 March to undertake scheduled stocktake activities. The library will reopen as normal on Tuesday 24 March 2026. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank the community for your understanding. For more information, please...
Paper Rates Notices Reissue – Important Information for Ratepayers
Cook Shire Council advises ratepayers that a small administrative error has been identified on a limited number of paper Rates Notices sent by post. Electronic (email) Rates Notices are correct and unaffected. While the amounts payable, fees, charges, levies and due...
Council trails new hours for Waste Transfer Station in Lakeland and Laura
Cook Shire Council is trialing new opening hours for the Lakeland and Laura Waste Transfer Stations. Residents are encouraged to make use of the revised times starting the week of Monday 16 February 2026: Laura Waste Transfer Station Wednesdays: 8:00 am – 12:00 noon...
TMR roadworks notice
Council has been advised that the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will be carrying out reconstruction works at multiple sites on Shiptons Flat Road from late February 2026 until July 2026, weather and site conditions permitting. The work will involve...
Public notice: Cooktown Events Centre Gym temporary closure for lighting works
Please be advised that the Cooktown Events Centre Gym will be closed from 8:00am to 10:00am tomorrow, Wednesday 4 February 2026, to allow for essential lighting repairs. In addition, external lighting works will be carried out on Thursday afternoon. During this time,...
Public notice: Temporary closure at Cooktown Swimming Pool
Community members are advised that the Cooktown swimming pool will be closed from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm today, Monday 2 February 2026. Please note that scheduled swimming lessons will continue as normal during this time. The pool will reopen for community members from...
Ayton Library Public Toilet – Temporary Closure
Ayton Library – Public Toilet Closure Cook Shire Council advises that the public toilet located at the Ayton Library is closed until further notice due to required plumbing repair works. The facility will remain closed while repairs are carried out to ensure the...
Public Notice – Cooktown Swimming Pool Closed Until Further Notice
Cooktown Swimming Pool is currently closed due to a critical systems failure. Council is awaiting the delivery of replacement parts and will reopen the facility as soon as repairs are complete and it is safe for public use. We understand this closure may cause...
2026 Cook Shire Show Holiday Confirmed
Cook Shire Council wishes to advise residents, businesses, and visitors that the Gazetted 2026 Show Day public holiday for the Shire of Cook will be observed on Friday, 26 June 2026, in recognition of the Laura Campdraft and Rodeo Weekend. This date has been...
Notification of Special Meeting of Council
Under section 254C of the Local Government Regulation 2012, the community is being advised of a Special Meeting of Council to be held at 2:30 pm on Thursday 30 October 2025 at Council’s Main Administration Building located at 10 Furneaux Street, Cooktown. Business to...
Public Notice: Temporary Pool Closure
Council advises the community that, due to a school swimming carnival, the pool will be temporarily closed on Wednesday, 15 October 2025 from 8 AM to 3:00 PM. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.
Notification of Special Meeting of Council
Under section 254C of the Local Government Regulation 2012, the community is being advised of a Special Meeting of Council to be held at 9:00 am on Tuesday 14 October 2025 at Council’s Main Administration Building located at 10 Furneaux Street, Cooktown. Business to...
TMR Roadworks Notice
We have been informed that the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR)will be carrying out bridge inspections on Little Laura bridge on the Peninsula Developmental Road, south of Laura. The inspections are part of TMR’s regular bridge maintenance program to...
King’s Official Birthday public holiday | Office closures
Please be reminded that a number of Council offices, buildings, and venues will be closed on Monday 6 October 2025 Council Administration Building Cooktown Works Depot All Cook Shire Libraries The Cooktown Swimming Pool The Cooktown Events Centre Nature's Powerhouse...
Public Notice – Strathgordon Road Upgrade Works
Cook Shire Council advises that upgrade works will be undertaken on Strathgordon Road between chainage 15.9 km and 17.8 km. The project includes the bitumen sealing of the road and the construction of a new culvert and causeway over the Colman River. Scope of Works...
Get ready for free* dumping days
Get your yard ready for extreme weather season Cook Shire Council is once again offering Free Dumping Days to help residents tidy their properties and remove potential hazards before cyclone season. When & Where 1 – 16 November 2025 during regular operating hours...
Public Notice: John Street oval sports lighting upgrade
Cook Shire Council is progressing with the upgrade of the sports lighting at John Street Oval, Cooktown, with works due to begin Thursday, 18 September 2025. The old lights have already been removed, and the next stage will see the installation of a modern LED...
Public Notice: Temporary Pool Closure
Council advises the community that, due to a school event, the pool will be temporarily closed on Thursday, 18th September 2025 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. Normal hours will resume on Friday 19...
Public Notice: Temporary closure to Ayton Transfer Station
Council advises that the Ayton Waste Transfer Station will be closed this Saturday 6 Septemeber 2025. Regular services will resume on Wednesday 10 Septemeber 2025, following the closure. We encourage residents to plan ahead and make alternative arrangements for waste...
Public Notice: Coen water station out of service
Cook Shire Council advises that the Coen water station is currently out of service until further notice. Council is working to restore the service as quickly as possible and apologises for any inconvenience caused. Updates will be provided as soon as more information...
Public notice: Controlled burn at Portland Roads Waste Facility
Lakeland Library | Updated opening hours
Council is pleased to announce new opening hours for Lakeland Library to better suit our community’s needs. Effective immediately, the library will now be open on Saturdays. Lakeland Library opening hours: Tuesdays: 10:00AM – 4:00PM Saturdays: 10:00AM – 1:00PM The...
TMR Roadworks Notice
Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is about to commence maintenance works on sections of road on the Mulligan Highway at Cooktown from the Trevethan Creek bridge to past the Mt Amos Road intersection. The works will involve road rehabilitation and sealing to...
TMR Roadworks Notice
Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will be carrying out reconstruction works to repair multiple sites on the Mulligan Highway (Lakeland – Cooktown) from late August 2025 until November 2025. The work will involve earthworks, asphalt and bitumen resurfacing,...
TMR Roadworks Notice
We have been informed that the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will be carrying out reconstruction works on the Mulligan Highway (Mareeba to Mount Molloy), at the Big Mitchell Causeway, from mid-August 2025 until September 2025. The work will involve...
Notification of Special Meeting of Council
Under section 254C of the Local Government Regulation 2012, the community is being advised of a Special Meeting of Council to be held at 9:00 am on Monday 25 August 2025 at Council’s Main Administration Building located at 10 Furneaux Street, Cooktown. Business to be...
Public Notice: Lifeguard training at Cooktown Swimming Pool
The Cooktown Swimming Pool team will be undertaking lifeguard training exercises and real-life scenario practice from Monday 18 to Wednesday 20 August 2025. The pool will remain open during this time; however, some activities may appear concerning to onlookers. Please...
Cooktown Road sealing works
Cook Shire Council advises that final sealing works will be undertaken in Cooktown on the following streets: Adam Street Furneaux Street Helen Street Howard Street May Street Preparation works are now scheduled to commence from Monday 25 August. Please be advised that...
Lost property at the Cooktown Swimming Pool
Have you or your kids left something behind at the pool recently? We’ve gathered a range of lost property items, and we’re asking everyone to please come and check if anything belongs to you. From goggles and towels to hats and water bottles – your missing items might...
Public notice | Weary Bay toilet upgrade
Please be advised that the Weary Bay public toilet will be temporarily out of service from Monday 21 July to Sunday 18 August 2025 due to scheduled upgrade works. Council appreciates your patience during this time as we work to improve local facilities. For updates or...
Temporary closure | Nature’s Powerhouse
Please be advised that Nature’s Powerhouse will be closed for the day on Monday 28 July 2025. Regular opening hours will resume on Tuesday 29 July 2025. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.
Works Notice : Cameron Creek Road
Residents and road users are being advised that construction works are scheduled to commence along Cameron Creek Road in mid to late next week. What to Expect Heavy machinery and a high volume of trucks will be operating along the road corridor. Construction will be...
Roadworks Notice | Endeavour Valley Road
We have been advised that the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is about to start resealing works on sections of Endeavour Valley Road, Cooktown. The works will involve asphalt resealing to extend the life of the road pavement and reduce the formation of...
Cook Shire show day public holiday | Office closures
Please be reminded that a number of Council offices, buildings, and venues will be closed on Friday 27 June 2025 Council Administration Building Cooktown Works Depot All Cook Shire Libraries The Cooktown Swimming Pool The Cooktown Events Centre Nature's Powerhouse All...
Temporary Water Outage – Lakeland Area
Cook Shire Council wishes to advise residents and businesses in Lakeland of a planned water supply interruption as part of our ongoing water main replacement program. Date: Tuesday 1 July 2025Time: 3:30 PM to 6:30 PMDuration: Approximately 3 hours Affected Properties...
Special Council Meeting Notificiation
Under Section 258 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, the community is being advised of a Special Meeting of Council to be held at: 9 AM Tuesday 8 July, at Council's Main Administration Building located at10 Furneaux Street, Cooktown. Business to be conducted...
Public notice | Coen aerodrome resealing and temporary closure
Cook Shire Council advises the Coen community of scheduled maintenance works at the Coen Aerodrome scheduled from Monday 30 June - Friday 4 July 2025. The works involve a single coat reseal of the runway, including mechanical sweeping and chip sealing. These upgrades...
Temporary partial road closure | Ida Street
Cook Shire Council advises residents that a section of Ida Street, between May Street and Garden Street, will be partially closed to traffic from Tuesday 17 June to Wednesday 18 June 2025, with works possibly extending to Thursday 19 June, dependent on weather...
Public Notice: Proposed Permanent Road Closure
Attention is directed to an application for Permanent Road Closure of an area of about 68.3m2 being part of Slim Close, Lakeland, adjacent Lot 1 on Registered Plan 741362 as shown on Drawing LAGIS-1396 . Comments or objections to the application must be submitted no...
Upgraded Lighting on the Horizon for John Street Oval
Cook Shire Council is pleased to announce that the John Street Oval lighting upgrade project is set to commence in the coming days, delivering long-term improvements to safety, maintenance, and community amenity. Originally installed in 2010, the...
Discovery Festival Fireworks Exclusion Zone
Boat users are reminded that there will be an exclusion zone in place on Saturday 21 June 2025, for the Cooktown Discovery Festival Fireworks display. All boat users are reminded there is an exclusion zone on Saturday 21 June from 5.30 pm-8.30 pm, for the Cooktown...
Discovery Festival Road Closures | June 2025
Please be advised that as part of the events, installations, and festivities for Discovery Festival 2025, temporary road closures will be in place at the below listed times and locations: Please be advised that as part of the events, installations, and festivities for...
Public Notice: Burning at Mt Tully
Cook Shire Council advises that due to favourable weather conditions, residual green waste is being burned at the Mt Tully Waste Facility today. This burn involves green waste that could not be mulched—such as oversized branches or material contaminated with items...