Cook Shire Council

02/10/2026

🧠 4 WEEKS TO GO | Why is our wet season STILL going?

🌧️ Seriously... what is going on with the weather?

One of the questions locals would love to put to Dr Karl is:

“What is causing our wet season to last so long this year?”

Is something unusual happening? Is it part of a bigger weather pattern? And why does it sometimes feel like somebody forgot to turn the tap off over Cooktown?

There’s only FOUR WEEKS TO GO until Dr Karl brings The Science of Survival to Cooktown.

Got a question you’ve always wanted Dr Karl to answer? Then you better book your tickets! 👇https://www.cook.qld.gov.au/event/an-evening-with-dr-karl-the-science-of-survival/

02/10/2026

🚧 TMR notice of works: Bridge inspections

The Department of Transport and Main Roads Queensland (TMR) will carry out routine bridge inspections from Sunday 18 to Tuesday 20 October, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Changed traffic conditions will be in place at each site:
• McLeod River bridge, Mulligan Highway – temporary full closure, 18 and 19 October
• Double Barrel Creek, Peninsula Developmental Road – single-lane traffic, 19 October
• Isabella Creek bridge, Endeavour Valley Road – temporary full closure, 20 October

During the closures, traffic will be let through once in each direction every hour, on the hour between 8am and 5pm. Road users should expect delays.

Visit the website for more details:

02/10/2026

AVOID SMOKE | Laura

Warning level: ADVICE

Warning area: Laura and surrounding areas.

View the post below for more details:

For all current warnings, updates and mapping, go to https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents.

AVOID SMOKE - Laura (Cape York) - fire as at 12:08pm Friday, 2 October 2026

Warning level: ADVICE

Warning area: Laura

Thick smoke is affecting Laura. This is from a fire burning near Ginger Creek.

This fire could burn for days. Protect yourself from the impacts of smoke.

What you should do:

- If the smoke is thick where you are, stay inside and close windows and doors.
- If you need medication to help you breathe keep it close.
- If you are worried about your health call your doctor or 13 HEALTH (13 432 584). If it is an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) now.
- If you are affected by the smoke you may need to leave the area.
- Check for warning updates often.
- Do not fly drones around the fire as they affect firefighting.

Impacts:

- No properties are at risk.
- Smoke could make it hard for some people to breathe and can cause health issues.
- Some roads may be closed or impacted by smoke. It could be hard to see. You may need to drive a different way.

More information:

- For all fire warnings, visit the Qld Fire website. https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents.
- Follow Queensland Fire Department on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/qldfiredepartment.
- For road closures, visit the QLD Traffic website. https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/ or call 13 19 40.
- For local information visit your Council’s Local Disaster Dashboard.
- If you need translation, call TIS National on 131 450.
- Learn how to get ready for a bushfire on the Qld Fire website. https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/prepare/bushfires - Prepare - Bushfire.

Updates will be issued if the situation changes.

This warning is from the Queensland Fire Department.

02/10/2026

👻 Tonight's the night!

The Spirits of Cooktown returns to Cooktown Pioneer Cemetery tonight and tomorrow evening, with local performers bringing the town's colourful past to life.

You might spot a few familiar faces in these dress rehearsal snaps. 👀

Performances run on Friday 2 October and Saturday 3 October, with two sessions each evening:

6pm to 7pm
7.30pm to 8.30pm
Venue: Cooktown Pioneer Cemetery

Tickets:
Adults aged 18 and over $10
Young people aged 13 to 17 $5
Children aged 6 to 12 free.

Details and tickets are all on the website:
https://www.cook.qld.gov.au/2026/10/02/headstones-history-and-familiar-faces-last-chance-to-book-spirits-of-cooktown/

Historical content for The Spirits of Cooktown has been sourced from research provided by the Cooktown History Centre.

02/10/2026

🎅 SANTA IS COMING TO COOKTOWN!

Word from the North Pole is that Santa has his sleigh pointed straight at William Daku Park for Sunset with Santa 🛷🌅

Don't miss out on Saturday 5 December 2026, William Daku Park, Cooktown.

Pack a picnic, grab a chair or rug and settle in by the waterfront as the sun goes down.

Best dressed prizes for the best dressed boy, girl AND family, so it's time to raid the tinsel box and go all out!

The celebrations will also include the Sunset Christmas Markets, offering the perfect chance to browse local gifts, artwork, handmade treasures and festive finds.

📝 Parents and carers, Santa needs your help!
If your little one is 10 or under, let Santa know they'll be there so he can pack a gift for them. Read more on how to let Santa know on the website 🎁
Registration is only needed for kids receiving a gift.

Families are invited to pack a picnic, bring a chair or rug and settle in for a festive afternoon by the waterfront as the sun goes down. There will be Christmas cheer, plenty of colour and prizes for the best dressed boy, girl and family, so it is time to dust off the tinsel and find those festive....

02/10/2026

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU, COOK SHIRE!

Three roles are open right now across Council, a chance to work close to home and build new skills. Whether it's hands-on work outdoors or supporting the community behind the scenes, there's a place here for you.

Open roles:
• Human Resources Advisor
• Project Officer
• Property and Land Tenure Support Officer

For more information, visit the website:
https://www.cook.qld.gov.au/council/careers-at-council/

01/10/2026

STAY INFORMED | Laura

Warning level: ADVICE

Warning area: Laura and surrounding areas

View the post below for more details:

For all current warnings, updates and mapping, go to https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents.

STAY INFORMED - Laura (Cape York) - fire as at 3:24pm Thursday, 1 October 2026

Warning level: ADVICE

Warning area: Laura

There are multiple fires burning in the area. These fires could burn for days.

Stay informed because the situation could change.

What you should do:

- Check for warning updates often and listen to your local radio station.
- Decide what you will do if the bushfire gets closer.
- If the smoke is thick where you are, stay inside and close windows and doors.
- If you need medication to help you breathe keep it close. Smoke can make it hard to breathe.
- Do not fly drones around the fire as they affect firefighting.
- If you are in danger, call Triple Zero (000) now.

Impacts:

- Some roads may be closed or impacted by smoke. It could be hard to see. You may need to drive a different way. Avoid driving on Deighton Road.

What firefighters are doing:

- Firefighters are working to control the fire.
- Backburning is being done to help control the fire.

More information:

- For all fire warnings, visit the Qld Fire website. https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents.
- Follow Queensland Fire Department on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/qldfiredepartment.
- For road closures, visit the QLD Traffic website. https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/ or call 13 19 40.
- For local information visit your Council’s Local Disaster Dashboard.
- If you are worried about your health call your doctor or 13 HEALTH (13 432 584).
- Natural disasters can affect your mental health. If you need help contact:
- Lifeline. https://www.lifeline.org.au/ on 13 11 14.
- Beyond Blue. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ on 1300 224 636.
- Kids Helpline. https://kidshelpline.com.au/ on 1800 551 800.
- If you need translation, call TIS National on 131 450.
- Learn how to get ready for a bushfire on the Qld Fire website. https://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/dealing-disasters/disaster-types/bushfires - Prepare - Bushfire.

Updates will be issued if the situation changes.

This warning is from the Queensland Fire Department.

01/10/2026

📢 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

A Special Council Meeting will be held at 10am on Thursday 15 October 2026 for the adoption of Council's Financial Statements for the 2025/2026 Financial Year.

📍 Council Chambers, Council’s Main Administration Building.

For more information, visit the website:
https://www.cook.qld.gov.au/2026/10/01/special-council-meeting-thursday-15-october-2026/

01/10/2026

❓Go on, ask the question!

Where did my photos go?
How do I do that thing on my phone again?
What's this new app everyone keeps talking about?
And why does everything need a password?!

If you've ever had a question about technology but never quite got around to asking it, here's your chance.

On Wednesday 21 October from 10am, bring your phone, tablet or laptop to the Cooktown Events Centre for a free, friendly morning of learning, exploring, and building more confidence to navigate everyday technology.

☕ Free workshop. Free morning tea. All ages welcome.

Bookings essential. Call Cooktown Library on 4069 5009 or book online.

For more information, visit the website:
https://www.cook.qld.gov.au/2026/09/24/keep-connected-in-a-changing-digital-world/