Cook Shire Council plays a pivotal role in shaping the region’s economic future, harnessing its unique assets to ensure long-term prosperity and job creation for the benefit of its communities. At the heart of this mission is the Cook Shire Economic Development Plan (EDP), a strategic roadmap designed to guide economic development activities, projects, and partnerships that strengthen the local economy.

The Economic Development Plan (EDP) provides a comprehensive framework for Cook Shire’s economic advancement. It outlines key strategies for building a robust, sustainable economy that supports both current industries and emerging opportunities, laying the groundwork for future growth. The EDP also integrates seamlessly with the Tropical North Queensland Regional Economic Plan, ensuring Cook Shire’s efforts contribute to the broader regional economy in partnership with neighboring local governments, including the Tablelands, Cairns, and Cassowary Coast regions.

Key Objectives of the Economic Development Plan

The Cook Shire Economic Development Plan aims to:

• Lay the foundations for economic success: By creating a supportive environment for business growth, investment, and innovation, the EDP establishes the necessary conditions for long-term economic prosperity.
• Strengthen industries with growth potential: The plan focuses on bolstering industries that have strong prospects for development, ensuring they continue to thrive and contribute to the region’s economic vitality.
• Promote employment opportunities: The EDP supports the creation of new jobs across a variety of key industries, catering to a broad range of skills and helping to build a resilient workforce.

Implementing the EDP

Council’s operational plan serves as the practical extension of the EDP, translating strategic goals into specific actions, projects, and budgets. By working collaboratively with economic development bodies and stakeholders, Cook Shire Council ensures that the EDP is more than a guiding document—it is an active, living strategy that drives tangible outcomes.

A Sustainable and Diverse Economy

At the core of the EDP is a commitment to economic diversification. A resilient economy is one that can adapt and thrive in the face of change, and for Cook Shire, this means expanding beyond traditional industries to embrace new sectors, innovations, and technologies. The EDP prioritizes this approach, recognizing that a diverse economy will provide stronger, more sustainable opportunities for the region’s communities.

Cook Shire is positioned to compete on a regional, national, and international stage. By leveraging its natural assets, strategic location, and unique industry mix, the Shire aims to establish itself as a strong and recognized player in economic development, ensuring that the prosperity of the region endures for generations to come.