COOK SHIRE CORONAVIRUS UPDATES
Council is working closely with local service providers to ensure the community has up to date, relevant local information around the novel coronavirus pandemic. Click here to visit our coronavirus page, which includes locally-relevant information and the latest updates, including Cape York travel restrictions and other details.
Pool and libraries open
Council is pleased to be able to welcome patrons back to the Cooktown Pool, Cooktown Library and Bloomfield Library, in line with State Government and Cook Local Disaster Management Group recommendations. The Pool is open, with patrons limited to a maximum of 10. Pool users are also required to maintain social distancing, bring their own pool toys and swimming aids if needed, and must not use the showers. The Pool will be open from 1pm-4pm weekends and 6am-12pm weekdays. The Cooktown Library is open with patrons limited to a maximum of 10. Computers are also limited, and people are encouraged to bring their own device to connect to WiFi. The Ayton Library is open with patrons also limited to 10, and visitors encouraged to bring their own devices. All activities scheduled for the pool and libraries, such as aqua aerobics, Lego Club and swimming lessons, will not be held at this time. The Cooktown Waterpark, outdoor gym equipment and all Shire playgrounds remain closed.
Markets back for all of Cook Shire
Following good compliance with social distancing and hygiene measures at the trial re-opening of the Cooktown Markets, the Cook Shire Local Disaster Management Group has approved all markets in Cook Shire to re-start from Saturday, 16 May. Stallholders and market attendees must observe COVID-19 social distancing and hygiene measures, and Queensland Police may conduct random checks. Please note, market stall holders must have a market stall permit, and food stalls may require a food business licence – contact Council’s Environmental Health Officer on 4082 0500 or email for more information.
Council service changes due to coronavirus
To help prevent the spread of coronavirus in Cook Shire and in line with Government rules, Council has made changes to some of our services, including closing facilities, limiting public interaction and moving other services online.
CLOSED - The Cooktown Water Park is closed and the water has been turned off. The gym equipment on the Cooktown foreshore must not be used. All Cook Shire playgrounds are also closed.
OPEN - ONLINE/PHONE ONLY - Council’s main office at 10 Furneaux Street and depot office at 31 Charlotte Street are closed to visitors, but staff are still working. Please phone 4082 0500 or email with any enquiries.
OPEN - WITH CHANGES - The Cooktown and Bloomfield libraries will re-open from 18 May, with strict social distancing and limited patron numbers. Interactive Storytime is still available online. The Cooktown Pool will re-open on 16 May, with strict social distancing and limited patron numbers. The Pool hours have also changed - the pool will be open 1pm-4pm weekends and 6am-12pm weekdays.
NO CHANGE - Our transfer stations, landfills, remote rubbish cages and recycling skips are still available for use as normal. Scheduled kerbside waste pick ups will continue as usual. Opening hours, locations and a kerbside pick up schedule are available on our website.
