Business, Industry & resources

Cook Shire's commercial world is on the cusp of change as the sealing of the Mulligan Highway from Mareeba has seen a marked increase in the number of visitors, particularly the self drive market.

Our relaxed lifestyle and incredible surrounds ensure that tourism is one of the Shire's identified growth industries. Other  economic sectors include the cattle, mining, fishing and horticultural industries, which continue to seek innovative ways to secure a relevant and competitive place in today's economic climate.

Cooktown has potential for growth in the following areas - tourism products and higher end accommodation, a marina, professional services, horticulture, recycling and waste management, green power, retail outlets, a wildlife refuge centre and cottage industries.

The new Cooktown Community Events Centre is due to be completed at the end of 2010 which will open up Cooktown to be a viable new destination for conferences and cultural events as well as being a major new feature for the local community.

The Grassy Hill redevelopment project will be starting in 2010 and on completion will become a new landmark for Tropical North Queensland with commissioned artwork of Mungurru the serpent visible from the air.

The Cooktown Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is a growing organisation reflecting an increase in progressive and innovative thinking business people in the area.

Cooktown is also the centre of goverment activity for the Region and houses offices of the Department of Communities, Housing, and Environment. 

Cooktown offers a  range of shops including a supermarket, a bakery, a pattiserie, a coffee shop, restaurants and service clubs.

General stores and Post Offices are located in many of the smaller towns.