Cook Shire Council cyclone guide¶
Cook Shire Council covers the largest land area shire in Queensland, from the Bloomfield River to just north of the Jardine River, with Cooktown as its main town. The Cook Shire Local Disaster Management Group includes Council, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Fire Department and State Emergency Service. For life threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000). The council runs a Disaster Dashboard for updates.
Checked on October 10, 2026
Every phone number and web address on this page was checked against official sources on that date. Details can change, especially during a storm. Always follow instructions from Cook Shire Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG). In a life threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
What to know in Cook Shire Council¶
- The council says the safest place during a disaster is your own home or the home of a friend or family member, and that a designated place of refuge should be a last resort.
Emergency and information numbers¶
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency | 000 | Triple Zero (000), for police, fire, and ambulance in an emergency. Call only when someone's life is in danger. |
| Council office and after hours emergencies | +61-7-4082-0500 | Council line. The council says that after hours, on public holidays and during office closures, for council related emergencies, call this number, stay on the line, and the call is answered by the after hours service. |
| State Emergency Service (SES) | 132-500 | For non life threatening flood and storm help, such as a damaged roof or rising flood water. The Queensland State Emergency Service line. |
Official alerts and information¶
- Cook Shire Disaster Dashboard: The council emergency management dashboard for updates and information. Website.
- Cook Shire disaster management page: Local Disaster Management Plan and sub plans, including the Evacuation Sub Plan. Website.
- Road conditions and closures: Council road conditions link on its home page. Website.
Evacuation centers¶
Open only when announced
Evacuation centers open only when officials announce them, and not every center opens for every storm. Check the official list of open centers before you leave home. Bring your own bedding, food, water, and medicines.
The council says the following Places of Refuge may be activated during an event, and only as a last resort: Cooktown Events Centre (3 May Street), Rossville Retreat (Helenvale), Rossville Hall, Bloomfield Library (Ayton), Lakeland Hall, Laura Town Hall, JS Love building (Coen), and Portland Roads Hall. A place is open only when officials announce it. Check the Disaster Dashboard.
Official list of open evacuation centers
Related guides¶
- Should I evacuate?
- What to expect at a cyclone shelter
- Cyclone supply list
- After a cyclone: the first 24 hours
- Insurance claims and disaster aid
Sources¶
Checked on October 10, 2026. If a number or address here is wrong, please tell us at Keith@KMyers.me.